Murkomen says peaceful demonstrations have been infiltrated by criminals
By Francis Muli, July 8, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen now says peaceful demonstrations have been infiltrated by criminals aimed at causing chaos and destruction.
In a statement on Monday, July 7, 2025, moments after the chaotic Saba Saba demonstrations, Murkomen lauded law enforcement officers who were on duty to ensure the safety of Kenyans and the security of their property.
“Saba Saba commemorates a turning point in our country’s journey to multi-party democracy, order and better governance. Kenyans have the right to mark the day in peace and decency. Unfortunately, peaceful demonstrations have recently been infiltrated by criminals out to cause chaos and destruction,” Murkomen stated.
“This evening, I went around Nairobi City to thank our law enforcement officers who were on duty to ensure the safety of our people and the security of their property. Thanks to their efforts and other officers across the country, incidents of violence, looting and destruction of property were markedly reduced today compared to last week. We’re committed to ensuring that demonstrations and protests are peaceful and orderly.”
At least 567 people were arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations, where properties worth millions were destroyed and looted by criminals disguised as protestors.
“The criminals who wreaked havoc on the June 25th demonstrations have already been charged in court. Likewise, those responsible for today’s incidents will also be investigated and charged. While the inconvenience faced in accessing places of work today is regrettable, the heightened security measures were necessary to ensure the safety of our people and the security of their property and businesses,” Murkomen added.
During the protests, 11 people were been confirmed dead while 52 police officers were injured as compared to 11 civilians who sustained injuries.
Further, 12 police vehicles, three government vehicles and four civilian vehicles have been damaged.
“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to update the public following today’s protests, dubbed “Sabasaba”. NPS commends the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding and heeding the call to maintain law and order. However, certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated.
“Regrettably, preliminary reports indicate fatalities, injuries, damage to motor vehicles, and several incidents of looting as detailed below.”
Among those arrested is Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency.
“Each reported incident will be subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law. The NPS also commends its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests and encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward and share that information by reporting to the nearest police station or contact us via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203),” Nyaga added.