Murkomen Urges Police to Be Gentle on Citizens, Tough on Criminals During Saba Saba Protests

 

By Faith Chebotip

MERU, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for peace and professionalism from law enforcement officers ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba Day protests on July 7.

Speaking on Sunday during a public event in Meru County, Murkomen emphasized the need for police officers to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and those with criminal intent. He urged them to handle law-abiding citizens with care, while dealing firmly with individuals who use the protests as an excuse to cause chaos.

“There are people who use protests to do politics through violence. They are the ones bringing trouble,” Murkomen said. “We want peace in our country. Let us protest peacefully without destroying anything.”

The Cabinet Secretary also warned against acts of vandalism witnessed during recent demonstrations, where public property including police stations and court buildings were damaged. He noted that such actions harm the country’s progress and undermine the very freedoms citizens are fighting for.

Murkomen reiterated that the government has no intention of harming anyone and remains committed to maintaining peace and order. “The Ministry of Interior will work tirelessly to ensure calm prevails during and after the protests,” he assured.

Tension has been rising in various parts of the country as Saba Saba Day approaches. The day commemorates the historic 1990 protests that sparked the push for multiparty democracy in Kenya. In anticipation of unrest, some schools have advised learners to stay at home and resume classes on Tuesday as a safety precaution.

Murkomen urged all Kenyans to respect the law, exercise their right to protest responsibly, and avoid any form of violence or destruction.

“Let us be fair and peaceful. The police must be kind to peaceful citizens and firm with criminals,” he concluded.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely as Kenyans prepare to mark the significant day in the country’s democratic journey.