Murkomen Says June 25 Memorial Protests Were Largely Peaceful, Defends Security Operations
News Updated: 25 June 2026 21:17 EAT
Photo courtesy : Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressing the nation after the Gen Z commemorative protests
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the June 25 memorial demonstrations passed off largely peacefully across the country, with no widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes or injuries reported in relation to the protests commemorating victims of the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.
Addressing the media after the protests, Murkomen commended Kenyans for maintaining peace and continuing with their daily activities, insisting that June 25 remained "a working and school day like any other day" despite heightened political activity and security deployments.
The Interior CS described the day as evidence that demonstrations conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions can proceed without major security incidents. He said the relative calm witnessed across the country reflected what he termed the growing maturity of Kenya's politics and governance.
According to Murkomen, families, friends of victims and members of the public participated in peaceful processions in Nairobi and Mombasa, while most towns across the country experienced normal business activity throughout the day.
He revealed that security agencies had acted on intelligence indicating that criminal groups were allegedly being mobilized from different parts of the country to disrupt peace in Nairobi. As a result, police mounted security screening and checkpoints on major roads leading into the capital.
Murkomen acknowledged that the security measures caused inconvenience to some members of the public but argued that they were effective in protecting businesses, critical infrastructure and residents from potential disorder. He said the measures helped maintain calm in Nairobi and surrounding areas.
Despite the generally peaceful atmosphere, the CS said several individuals allegedly attempted to commit crimes under the cover of the demonstrations, leading to a nationwide security operation and multiple arrests.
Murkomen announced that 355 people had been arrested in connection with offences linked to the demonstrations, adding that the figure could rise as investigations continued. He said those arrested would face charges ranging from robbery and vandalism to road obstruction and attempted theft.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of arrests with 161 suspects, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36. Additional arrests were reported in Murang'a, Bungoma, Meru, Laikipia and Machakos counties.
The Interior CS also reported that an assistant chief from Gitiri Sub-location in Kandara, Murang'a County, identified as Anthony Kaduno, was injured after being attacked by individuals allegedly attempting to erect a barricade. He was treated at Gaichanjiru Health Centre and later discharged in stable condition.
Murkomen praised the National Police Service and other security agencies for what he described as professional conduct and effective planning during the demonstrations. He said officers responded promptly to emerging security concerns while maintaining public order.
Responding to concerns about the extensive security deployment in Nairobi, Murkomen said authorities could not take chances given the history of violence witnessed during previous protests, particularly around protected installations such as Parliament.
He noted that many Nairobi residents initially stayed away from the city centre due to fears of possible unrest, but said transport services, businesses and pedestrian activity gradually increased as people observed that the situation remained calm.
The CS urged future protest organizers to emulate what he described as the orderly conduct witnessed during the June 25 commemorations, arguing that peaceful demonstrations should not disrupt economic activities or create fear among citizens.
Murkomen singled out Mombasa for praise, describing it as an example of successful protest management. He noted that the county had for two consecutive years hosted peaceful demonstrations in which participants followed agreed routes, delivered petitions and dispersed without major incidents.
The Interior CS also dismissed allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that there had been plots targeting him during the demonstrations. Murkomen rejected the claims, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Concluding his remarks, Murkomen thanked journalists and media houses for what he termed responsible reporting during the demonstrations. He said accurate coverage of events contributed to public confidence and urged all stakeholders to continue safeguarding peace, national unity and constitutional order.
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FELIX MAKONA
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