Garsen —Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has described the deadly unrest that broke out during the Saba Saba protests as a politically financed operation aimed at toppling President William Ruto’s government not a peaceful demonstration.
Speaking Thursday during the launch of Tarasaa Sub-County in Garsen, Murkomen dismissed claims that the protests were led by youth demanding reforms. Instead, he called the events an “attempted coup” staged by political figures opposed to the administration.
“This was no protest or maandamano,” Murkomen said. “It was an organized act of terror, a failed regime change effort. It’s unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.”
The Interior CS accused unnamed leaders of funding violent groups that stormed public offices, destroyed property, and looted weapons. “Those who attacked police stations, courts, and torched government vehicles were not random protesters,” he stated. “They were recruited and sent by individuals who thrive on chaos.”
Murkomen added that intelligence reports showed the attacks were orchestrated in targeted areas, reinforcing suspicions of pre-planned political sabotage. “You can’t have gangs destroy infrastructure, then leaders turn around and complain when arrests are made,” he said.
He accused some politicians of hypocrisy, blaming law enforcement for property damage while criticizing arrests of suspects. “We’re told to protect property, then questioned for arresting those responsible. That’s double talk,” he said in Kiswahili: “Hatuwezi ambiwa mali imeharibiwa kwa nini serikali haichungi, kisha tukishika wakora watu wanalalamika.”
CS Murkomen assured the public that the government will track down everyone involved in the violence. “Those who looted, burned courts, raided police stations, and stole firearms will be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed,” he said firmly.
The Cabinet Secretary urged the Judiciary to uphold the rule of law by issuing strong rulings against those charged. “If the Judiciary is serious, it will support us in addressing this crisis once and for all,” he said. “I urge our judges and Chief Justice to act decisively against arson, terrorism, theft, and vandalism.”
CS Murkomen warned that failure to act would embolden criminal networks operating under the guise of civil disobedience. “If we don’t confront these elements, criminals will run this country,” he cautioned.
The Saba Saba protests on July 7 began as peaceful demonstrations but quickly escalated into violent confrontations across key towns. Government offices, police stations, and private businesses were vandalized. Dozens have since been arrested and charged, some with terrorism-related offenses.
The Interior Ministry maintains that the demonstrations were part of a broader plan to cause nationwide instability and discredit President Ruto’s leadership. Investigations are ongoing.
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