NAIROBI, Aug 3 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended police officers accused of wrongdoing during recent protests, dismissing threats of action from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as attempts to intimidate law enforcement agencies.
Speaking in Kajiado County, Murkomen emphasized that the government will not be cowed by what he described as “anarchists hiding behind international legal threats” after engaging in acts of terror and destruction during demonstrations.
“I will not be scared by ICC threats. Scare somebody else—not those who understand the law,” said Murkomen. He affirmed his ministry’s commitment to protecting officers acting within the law, stating that they will continue to enforce security without fear or favour.
He highlighted a court case filed against himself, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and DCI Director Mohammed Amin, regarding the police response to the protests. Murkomen expressed confidence that the security agencies operated within constitutional limits.
“The Inspector General of Police, my team, and I have worked diligently to protect the people of Kenya, their property, and the state from anarchy and terrorism, all within the confines of the Constitution. Given another chance, we would do the same to ensure that this country remains safe,” he stated.
The CS dismissed calls for legal action against officers as experimental and dangerous, asserting that the Ministry of Interior will not allow the country’s security to be undermined.
“We don’t have time for experiments on who should be taken to court. We know the law and we’ll stand by it,” he added.
Murkomen further noted that it was unjust to target officers while ignoring the violent acts of protestors, including the burning of police stations, vehicles, administrative buildings, and even suspects in custody, such as the incident reported in Ol Kalou.
He pledged to continue defending Kenya’s constitutional order, the safety of its citizens, and public property from what he described as efforts by anarchists to destabilize the country. — NNN-KBC
