Murkomen Urges Police Restraint But Warns Against Violent Protesters Ahead of Saba Saba

Murkomen Urges Police Restraint But Warns Against Violent Protesters Ahead of Saba Saba

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on police officers to exercise restraint ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba Day protests set for July 7.

Speaking at a thanksgiving mass at St Augustine Mwanika Catholic Church in Meru County, Murkomen said police had been given clear instructions on handling civilians.

“We have told our police officers that we want police stations to become an area that unites police and civilians,”
said the Interior CS as he addressed the congregation.

While affirming the constitutional right of Kenyans to demonstrate, Murkomen also warned against violent protestors.

“I’ve also told our police officers to be tame and good with civilians,”
he said.
“But when it comes to battling goons and those who want to destroy property while killing officers, I’ve instructed them to be ruthless to ensure peace prevails.”

“I know you don’t want a country where an officer is chased away,”
Murkomen added, noting that peaceful demonstrations would not be interfered with.
“I urge all people who are calling for protests, whether on Monday or whichever date, you can go picket but do so in peace.”

His comments come amid sharp criticism from human rights groups and the public over remarks previously seen as a “shoot-to-kill” directive. Murkomen, however, defended law enforcement and pointed fingers at political elements misusing public demonstrations.

“All people talk about is what police officers have done or not done,”
he said.
“No one talks about those who use violence for politics. It gives police officers a very hard time. I want to ask Kenyans to reject politicians using them for violence.”

The CS clarified that the police will act within the law and that his past statements were based on Section B(1) of the National Police Service Act. The section allows officers to use firearms in self-defence.

Meanwhile, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has directed all civil servants to report to work on Monday, dismissing the idea of Saba Saba being a public holiday.

“All government offices will open at exactly 8am and close at 5pm without exception,”
Ruku said in a statement issued Sunday evening.
“Normal working hours will be strictly observed, and no excuses related to the protests will be entertained.”

The government insists that the day remains a regular working day despite growing fears of disruptions across major towns.

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Murkomen Urges Police Restraint But Warns Against Violent Protesters Ahead of Saba Saba