Murkomen Accuses LSK of Shielding “Criminals,” Vows Ruthless Action on Violent Protest Organizers
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a scathing attack on Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, accusing her and the organization of defending individuals he labeled as “criminals” and “terrorists.”
Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama press briefing in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday, Murkomen raised concerns over what he termed a growing trend where legal professionals prioritize the rights of violent suspects over national security.
“As a member of the Law Society of Kenya, I totally disagree with those who want to make it look cheap when we say that people burning police stations, supermarkets, county vehicles, houses, and stealing guns should be treated as criminals. These are clearly acts of terror,” he said.
Claims of Plot to Destabilize the Country
Murkomen linked the June 25 and July 7 protests to a broader conspiracy allegedly aimed at destabilizing the nation. He claimed intelligence reports had identified plans to import goons from other counties to disrupt towns like Eldoret, and that a crackdown was underway.
“The security team is finalizing investigations, particularly on the financials and the chief insiders in this county. Arrests will be done in good time,” he said.
According to the CS, those behind the violence will be prosecuted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, asserting that their actions meet the legal threshold for terrorism-related charges.
“If we find them attempting to do so, even in this city, we are going to charge them for what it is,” he added.
Warning to Political Mobilizers and Activists
Murkomen warned that security agencies would deal firmly with political figures or activists who incite or mobilize youth to engage in acts of violence.
“We are going to be ruthless against those political actors. Some of them tried to bring chaos into this county. They will not get away with it,” he said.
Although Murkomen did not directly name activist Boniface Mwangi, he appeared to refer to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) decision to drop terrorism charges previously leveled against him.
“The fact that charges were dropped does not mean action will not be taken later,” Murkomen stated, noting that investigations would continue and further action could follow if new evidence emerges.
Call for Legal Professionals to Support Public Safety
Turning back to the legal profession, Murkomen urged the LSK to side with public interest and national security, instead of being perceived as a defender of lawbreakers.
“The Law Society of Kenya must be on the side of Kenyans, not criminals,” he said.
He specifically took issue with efforts by LSK to push for reduced bail terms for suspects allegedly involved in violent demonstrations and destruction of public infrastructure, questioning the motive behind such advocacy.
Conclusion: Rising Tensions Between State and Civil Liberties Advocates
Murkomen’s remarks reflect the increasing tension between government officials and civil society leaders following weeks of anti-government protests and widespread public unrest. As the Interior Ministry doubles down on its security-first approach, legal advocates continue to warn against human rights violations and the criminalization of dissent.
The coming weeks are expected to be tense as investigations proceed, arrests loom, and the legal community pushes back against what it perceives as an erosion of constitutional freedoms.