Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen shakes hands with Chepkirui Kones in Bomet on July 25, 2026/MINA
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for closer collaboration between the Judiciary and security agencies, saying tougher action against individuals accused of destroying property during protests is necessary to deter crime.
Murkomen said the government remains on high alert and will not allow criminal activities to threaten the country's security.
"I want to assure the people of Kenya that the National Police Service, our security agencies, our Defence Forces and our intelligence services are fully alert. We will not allow anything wayward to happen in our country," he said while in Keringet, Nakuru County Saturday.
The CS appealed to the Judiciary to work together with other arms of government in addressing cases involving suspects accused of looting, arson and destruction of property during demonstrations.
"I want to ask the Judiciary to support each other with us. When we bring before the courts someone accused of criminal acts, burning property or destroying other people's businesses, we need cooperation to ensure these issues are dealt with," Murkomen said.
He expressed concern over what he described as situations where suspects are released shortly after arrest, saying such incidents undermine the efforts of security officers who risk their lives enforcing the law.
"You arrest a suspect, but before the officer even gets home, the suspect has already been released and is asking the officer why they were arrested in the first place," he said.
Murkomen maintained that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, acts of criminality committed under the guise of protests should attract legal consequences.
He said protecting lives, businesses and public infrastructure remained a key responsibility of the government and called on all institutions to play their respective roles in upholding the rule of law.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that security agencies would continue operating within the law while taking firm action against individuals involved in violence, vandalism and other criminal offences.
His remarks come amid renewed government efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking and insecurity in various parts of the country.
During the Keringet visit, Murkomen ordered the transfer of all police officers stationed at Keringet Police Station and announced the deployment of a special anti-drug operations team alongside 20 new officers to strengthen security in the area.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who accompanied the CS, also announced intensified operations against criminal gangs and warned politicians against misusing government-assigned VIP security officers.
Murkomen urged Kenyans to support law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and respecting the rule of law, saying sustained cooperation between the Executive, Judiciary and the public is essential in maintaining peace and protecting the country's stability.
