Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the State cannot fully prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the planned June 25 protests, even as he warned of firm action against violence.
Murkomen said police would secure peaceful demonstrators but admitted operational limits in stopping all “goons” from accessing protest grounds.
“I cannot guarantee there will be no goons. I can only guarantee security,” he said during a televised interview on Monday night.
He added that law enforcement would act decisively against anyone engaging in violence, looting or destruction of property.
“For us, any person who is going to organise goons, people who come with machetes, carry rungus and matchsticks, and steal people’s goods, we will deal with them according to the law,” he said.
The CS said it was not realistic to expect police to pre-emptively neutralise every potential offender ahead of the nationwide commemorations.
“I cannot guarantee 100 per cent that we will have enough police officers to lock potential goons in their homes,” Murkomen said, adding that security agencies would nonetheless respond “ruthlessly” to criminal conduct during the protests.
Murkomen also urged organisers to coordinate with police to ensure orderly demonstrations and prevent escalation.
“We ask the organisers of the protests to work with police officers so that we can provide enough security for them,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over criminal gangs that have repeatedly been accused of infiltrating demonstrations and wrecking havoc in parts of the country, with some political and civil society actors alleging that such groups operate with the tolerance—or even tacit support—of sections within the political establishment, claims that government officials have consistently denied.
The June 25 commemorations mark two years since the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, when thousands of young Kenyans stormed Parliament buildings in Nairobi, forcing the withdrawal of the controversial legislation after nationwide unrest.
The anniversary has since become a rallying point for youth-led activism, with organisers planning memorial marches and vigils across the country in honour of those killed during the demonstrations.
Political tensions have intensified ahead of the events, with opposition leaders framing the day as a symbol of resistance against state excesses, while government allies insist normal economic activity must continue.
The Interior Ministry has reiterated that while the right to protest is constitutionally protected, it must be exercised peacefully and within the law.
Authorities have also maintained that June 25 is not a public holiday, even as security agencies remain on high alert over possible clashes and disruptions during the commemorations.
