ELDORET — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has not relented on the government’s position to pursue terrorism charges against individuals accused of violent acts during recent protests. Speaking during the launch of Jukwaa La Usalama in Uasin Gishu County, Murkomen dismissed calls to drop the charges, saying those accused had engaged in actions that meet the legal definition of terrorism under Kenyan law.
“The Prevention of Terrorism Act is explicit. If someone uses petrol bombs to burn court buildings or destroys essential services, that is not a peaceful protest it’s terrorism,” Interior CS Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary also criticized the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing it of siding with suspects instead of victims of the violence. “Billions worth of public and private property has been destroyed,” CS Murkomen said. “The LSK should be standing with law-abiding citizens, not defending those behind such chaos.”
He pointed directly at LSK President Faith Odhiambo, claiming she had overstepped by questioning the strength of evidence presented in court. “I saw her interview. She’s not a judge,” CS Murkomen remarked. “The strength of evidence is for the courts to determine. Let her decide if she wants to stand with suspects or with the people of Kenya.”
He called on the Judiciary not to bow to public pressure or intimidation and to avoid granting lenient bail terms in what he described as serious criminal cases.
“These cases involve threats to life, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of services. We expect the courts to treat them with the weight they deserve,” CS Murkomen reiterated.
Interior CS Murkomen also urged the opposition and civil rights groups to support lawful protest instead of what he termed as “orchestrated violence masked as demonstrations.”
Referencing the role of former Speaker, Attorney General and now former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi the CS Interior Murkomen said Former CS Justin Muturi had overseen the passage of the anti-terror law and should now help ensure it is upheld. “We must protect the right to demonstrate, but it cannot include arson, looting, and attacks on public property,” CS Murkomen said.
His comments come as debate grows over the State’s decision to charge some protesters with terrorism. Critics argue the move is excessive and threatens constitutional rights, while the government maintains it is responding to organized attacks disguised as protests. The court cases linked to the protests remain ongoing, with public scrutiny intensifying over how the law is being interpreted and enforced.
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