Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Kenyans to conduct soul-searching and uphold peace as tensions rise ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests on Monday.
Speaking during a Sunday mass service in Meru, Murkomen urged the public to reject violence and foster national cohesion.
“In this Kenya, we are worshipping together on Sunday, and on Monday we are throwing stones at each other, and trading insults on social media.. What kind of people are we? Let us instill peace in our hearts and communities. Violence will never be the solution to our grievances,” he said.
The CS further appealed to citizens to conduct themselves lawfully during the demonstrations, emphasizing the need to respect police officers and protect businesses.
“Let us not turn on our own. Respect our law enforcement institutions. Respect the law. Destroying property or attacking officers only hurts our nation,” Murkomen stated.
His remarks come amid rising tension across the country, particularly in Nairobi, as youth-led groups plan large-scale demonstrations demanding government accountability and economic reforms.
The protests mark the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba movement, a landmark in Kenya’s fight for multiparty democracy.
Murkomen’s call for peace, however, comes under a cloud of controversy. Just last week, he faced widespread criticism after issuing a controversial “shoot-on-sight” order against individuals who threaten the lives of police officers or attempt to storm police stations.
The remarks sparked national outrage, with civil rights groups, opposition politicians, and religious leaders accusing the government of endorsing extrajudicial killings.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) also condemned the statement, demanding the CS withdraw his comments.
