42 people killed, 1,500 arrested during June 25 and Saba Saba protests – Murkomen

A total of 42 people were killed and 1,500 others so far arrested across the country in connection with the violence and destruction witnessed during the June 25 and July 7 demonstrations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Murkomen described the two days of unrest as “pure, premeditated criminality: deliberate, dangerous, and deeply disturbing,” noting that what occurred was not a protest but a coordinated campaign to subvert public order and the Constitution.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, the CS termed the scale of violence and destruction as unprecedented, revealing that another close to 600 people were injured, among them 496 police officers.

“42 Kenyans regrettably lost their lives, and close to 600 were injured. Out of these injuries, 496 were law enforcement officers. This is unacceptable. One life lost is one too many. We mourn every life lost and extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the affected families,” he said.

Murkomen revealed that intelligence-led operations had led to the arrest of suspected masterminds, financiers, instigators and perpetrators behind what he called “politically motivated mobilisation intended to stoke public unrest.”

He noted that those apprehended are facing a range of charges, including terrorism, murder, robbery with violence, and sexual assault.

“Arrests arising out of these unprecedented attacks, close to 1,500 people have been arrested countrywide and are facing various charges, including terrorism, murder, robbery with violence, sexual assault, arson, malicious damage to property and targeted attacks on strategic infrastructure,” he said.

“Of these, 50 individuals are currently under investigation by the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit while 71 cases are being handled by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit for offences related to acts of terrorism.”

CS Murkomen further divulged that a total of 16 police stations and posts were either burnt or destroyed in the attacks that left citizens exposed and critical government functions paralysed.

He added that investigations into political sponsors of the violence were ongoing and that all individuals found culpable, including police officers accused of excessive force, would face the law.

“As I speak, one police officer has already been arraigned and is facing murder charges. Further, any excesses by law enforcement officers will be investigated and appropriate action taken on those found culpable,” said Murkomen.

Among the affected security installations were Dagoretti Police Post, which was raided and torched; Kikuyu Police Station and government offices; Matuu Police Station in Machakos, where eight officers were injured; and Olkalou Police Station.

“In another shocking attack, arsonists invaded and burned the Olkalou Police Station, killing three suspects who were in custody. They also torched 26 vehicles, 18 county government motorbikes, burned down an exhibit store and destroyed the report office,” Murkomen noted.

He said five firearms were stolen in Dagoretti, with one later used in a robbery in Naivasha, while another four guns were burnt in Gachui Police Post.

The Interior CS also detailed widespread looting and arson targeting private businesses, saying; “In Naivasha, goons looted and torched Powerstar Supermarket, with 100 suspects arrested in Nakuru County. Similar incidents were reported in Ruiru, Nyeri, Kasarani, Githurai 44, Eldoret, Meru, and Kirinyaga, with suspects arraigned in court.”

“In Meru, a group of thugs set ablaze Magunas supermarket using a suspected petrol bomb... Selenite Supermarket was not spared the looting and mayhem. 40 suspects have been arrested in Meru in relation to these criminal acts.”

He condemned an incident where rioters stormed the operating theatre at Kitengela Sub-County Hospital, interrupting an emergency caesarean section and terrorising patients and medical staff.

“These lenient bail terms are unacceptable. It is in hospitals that we seek refuge at our most vulnerable moments, and to infringe on this privacy is an offence most foul,” he said.

The remarks from Murkomen come after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), on its part, recorded 38 deaths and at least 130 injuries across the country from the Saba Saba Day protests alone.

According to the commission, among the deceased are four women and two children, including a 12-year-old girl who was shot while watching television at her home in Kiambu.