Was the June 25 Protest More Than a Demonstration?
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused organisers of the June 25 demonstrations of attempting to overthrow the government through a coordinated coup. Speaking at a press briefing, Murkomen claimed the protest was not just about public discontent but a dangerous political ploy to forcibly remove the current regime from power.
According to the CS, intelligence reports and retrieved footage revealed vehicles ferrying large amounts of cash to protesters, raising suspicions about external funding and planning. He alleged that the protest targeted businesses and homes associated with pro-government politicians, adding that destruction and looting were not spontaneous acts but deliberate moves to destabilise the country.
“This has nothing to do with protests, but an unconstitutional attempt to change the regime. The police were able to foil an attempted coup,” Murkomen said. He insisted that officers showed restraint despite being under attack and praised their courage: “I want to say to the brave officers injured while protecting property against rioters and hired thugs. We feel your pain and the sacrifice that embodies patriotism.”
How Did the Police Respond During the Protests?
Murkomen firmly defended the conduct of police officers during the protests. He rejected claims of police brutality and instead said the security forces were the real victims. “There’s no officer who committed any excesses; they foiled a coup,” he said. He further cautioned those threatening police officers and framed any attacks on security personnel as attempts to dismantle law and order.
“They don’t carry guns as toys. When you threaten an officer, you want to kill them. When you burn a police station, you want us to celebrate you and bring you a birthday cake? We must be serious as a country,” Murkomen remarked.
What Damages and Losses Were Reported?
The Interior CS shared a grim account of the destruction that followed the protests. According to Murkomen, five police stations, 88 police vehicles, 27 county government vehicles, and 65 private cars were torched. He estimated the total business losses ran into the billions, citing the widespread looting and vandalism witnessed across various towns.
Murkomen pledged to hold the protest organisers accountable and warned that the government would pursue those behind the chaos: “Make no mistake, we will come for you.” He reiterated that the Ministry of Interior would not relent in its duty to protect the country from what he described as anarchy masked as civil protest.
By Lucky Anyanje
