Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans to remain peaceful during Saba Saba demonstrations while urging police officers to exercise restraint and professionalism on July 7, 2025.
The Interior CS made the remarks on June 6, while speaking at St Augustine Mwanika Catholic Church in Meru County.
He stated that police brutality has been a major concern for Kenyans during protests, adding that they are not primarily to blame for the chaos that unfolds.
He also accused unnamed individuals of influencing the protests to damage the country while attacking the current administration.
“Most people are blaming the police, yet the demonstrators are often the source of the lawlessness. There are people using violence to play politics. Let us reject such leaders and only support those who present their agenda peacefully,” Murkomen said.
Meanwhile, the CS reassured Kenyans that it’s their constitutional right to demonstrate as he appealed for peaceful protesting regardless of the day any protests are held.
“I urge all people who are calling for protests, whether on Monday or whichever date, you can go picket but do so in peace,” he emphasized.
Murkomen also advised officers to be calm and respectful while dealing with peaceful protesting citizens, but to respond firmly and ruthlessly when confronted by criminals who damage property.
“I’ve also told our police officers to be tame and good with civilians but when it comes to battling goons and those who want to destroy property while killing officers, I’ve instructed them to be ruthless to ensure peace prevails,” he stated.
He also urged police officers to maintain professionalism and to prioritize rebuilding the strained relationship with Kenyans following the recent protests.
“I want the police stations in our country to connect citizens with the police, where people live together like brothers and sisters. Police stations should be open and welcoming, encouraging community policing between the OCS, their officers and the citizens to build good relationships,” he declared.
