Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised Kenyans for maintaining peace during Thursday’s demonstrations, saying the country experienced no widespread incidents of looting, vandalism, skirmishes or injuries linked to the protests.
In a statement issued after the demonstrations, Murkomen described the largely peaceful conduct witnessed across the country as evidence of political maturity and adherence to constitutional principles governing public demonstrations.
“Today is proof that when demonstrations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, peace and security are guaranteed,” he said.
The CS noted that families and friends of victims of past protests, alongside members of the public, held peaceful processions in Nairobi and Mombasa, while normal business activities continued in most towns across the country.
Murkomen revealed that security agencies had mounted screening operations on major highways leading into Nairobi following intelligence reports that groups of individuals were being transported to the capital to disrupt peace and target businesses.
He said the measures, though inconvenient to some members of the public, helped maintain calm in Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
“We regret the inconveniences occasioned by these measures, and at the same time appreciate their effectiveness in securing the city and other parts of the country,” he said.
Despite the relative calm, the government reported that a number of individuals allegedly attempted to engage in criminal activities under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.
According to the Interior Ministry, a total of 355 people were arrested in connection with the protests. Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36.
Other arrests were reported in Murang’a (12), Bungoma (9), Meru (6), Laikipia (5) and Machakos (3). No arrests were reported in the North Eastern, Nyanza and Coast regions.
The suspects are expected to face charges ranging from robbery and vandalism to road obstruction and attempted stealing.
The CS also reported that the Assistant Chief of Kariti Sub-Location in Kandara, Murang’a County, Anthony Gathungu, sustained injuries after he was allegedly attacked by a group attempting to erect a barricade. He was treated at Kagunduini Health Centre and later discharged in stable condition.
Murkomen commended security agencies for what he termed professionalism and effective planning in handling the demonstrations.
He also thanked journalists and media houses that he said reported responsibly on the day’s events, urging Kenyans to continue safeguarding peace and stability.
“We all have an equal stake in the future of our country; let us guard our peace and stability jealously,” he said.
Businesses were affected as protests broke out in different parts of the country to mark the second year of June 25 protests.
