Murkomen praises Nairobi police for ‘securing lives and property’ amid Saba Saba demos

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commended law enforcement officers deployed in Nairobi on Monday for their role in maintaining order and minimizing violence during the Saba Saba protests.

In a statement issued after touring parts of the capital, Murkomen praised police officers for what he called their “dedication to securing lives and property” during the demonstrations, which marked the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s pro-democracy Saba Saba movement.

He described their performance as "commendable and necessary for public safety."

“Saba Saba commemorates a turning point in our country's journey to multi-party democracy, order and better governance. Kenyans have the right to mark the day in peace and decency,” Murkomen said.

“Unfortunately, peaceful demonstrations have recently been infiltrated by criminals out to cause chaos and destruction.”

He noted that thanks to increased security deployment across the country, incidents of violence, looting and destruction were “markedly reduced” compared to previous protests, particularly those of June 25, which saw widespread damage and confrontations.

Murkomen said individuals responsible for Monday’s disruptions would be investigated and prosecuted, as has been done for those involved in earlier violent protests.

“The criminals who wreaked havoc on the June 25th demonstrations have already been charged in court. Likewise, those responsible for today's incidents will also be investigated and charged,” he said.

While acknowledging the inconvenience faced by citizens due to road closures and heightened security, Murkomen said the measures were necessary to protect both lives and livelihoods.

Nairobi was a ghost town on Monday, with major roads leading to the city centre barricaded in the wee hours of the morning.

Police turned away commuters travelling into the city.

The major clashes between police and civilians were recorded in the surrounding towns of Kitengela, Roysambu, and Kangemi, as well as other towns across the country.

By 6:30 p.m., the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said it had documented 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests in 17 counties.