Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Kenyans to appreciate the country’s tolerance for civil liberties, citing what he termed as an exceptional degree of freedom enjoyed by citizens, even those who openly threaten national institutions.
Speaking at State House on Tuesday during a breakfast event with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions, Murkomen remarked that in many countries, any suggestion of storming government buildings would lead to immediate arrest and prosecution.
“In the UK, if someone tweeted about going to Buckingham Palace, they’d be arrested before stepping out of the house. In the US, writing ‘let’s invade the White House’ would see you picked up by the Secret Service,” he said. “It is only in Kenya where someone declares they will invade Parliament, the Judiciary, or State House, and they still walk free.”
Murkomen was responding to recent social media activity by protesters planning to march to State House as part of commemorations marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. The protests, which drew global attention, resulted in at least 60 deaths and several enforced disappearances, according to human rights groups.
The CS questioned the motive behind the renewed street protests, arguing that concerns such as police brutality are already under judicial review. “People are looking for any excuse to go to the streets, cause mayhem, and destroy businesses,” he claimed.
He went on to commend the Kenyan police for maintaining professionalism amid intense political and public pressure, calling the National Police Service “one of the most professional on the continent.”
“Kenya presents the toughest political terrain for police officers. They operate with very limited powers and must navigate a political class that often undermines their work,” Murkomen said.
Meanwhile, youth-led groups say their upcoming demonstrations will honor those who died or disappeared during last year’s protests, as they continue to call for justice and systemic reforms.
Written By Rodney Mbua
