Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sharply criticized the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and its president Faith Odhiambo, accusing them of defending criminals instead of standing with victims of recent violent protests.
Murkomen was responding to backlash over the government’s decision to charge some protesters with terrorism. He said LSK was on the “wrong side of history” and should not push for lenient bail for suspects accused under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
He added that the government had strong evidence, such as CCTV footage and communication records, against those accused, and warned that politicians who incite violence will be restricted from certain areas.
However, LSK President Faith Odhiambo rejected the terrorism charges, saying the law is being misused and that protesters cannot be labelled as terrorists unless there’s clear proof of intent to cause terror.
The move to use anti-terror laws on protesters has drawn heavy criticism from the public, legal experts, and human rights groups, especially after President Ruto’s controversial “shoot on the leg” directive and MP Nelson Koech’s push to reinstate a “shoot to kill” policy.
Written By Joyce Nzomo
