Murkomen: We shut CBD access to guard businesses from looting

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the government’s decision to shut down access to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Monday, saying the move was necessary to protect businesses and private property from looting during the Saba Saba protests.

Addressing the press in Nairobi on Monday, July 7, 2025, Murkomen acknowledged that the security operation inconvenienced many Kenyans but insisted that it was a necessary measure to avert further destruction.

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“The structure we put in place today ensured many goons and criminals did not get a chance to invade properties. But at the same time, many Kenyans were inconvenienced. Some could not access their offices. Others stayed away out of fear. Poleni sana, but we did this to keep you and your property safe,” he said.

Murkomen praised the National Police Service for “minimising the damage” compared to previous protests but confirmed that some isolated incidents of vandalism and looting had been reported.

“In one place a shop was looted, in another, buildings were burned. Police will investigate all these incidents and take appropriate action,” he noted.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli had insisted that access to the CBD remained open.

Speaking at the University Way roundabout in the presence of Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Inspector General Japhet Koome, Masengeli told journalists that “everyone is getting into the CBD,” despite growing reports of blocked roads and citizens being turned away.

On Sunday, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku had warned civil servants that Monday was a regular working day and failure to report to duty would attract disciplinary measures.

However, in a softer tone on Monday while speaking in Wajir, Ruku commended counties like Wajir for continuing services and thanked public servants for turning up to work amid tension.

Monday’s 35th Saba Saba anniversary was marred by tension and confusion across major towns. In Nairobi, shops remained closed and roads were barricaded. In Roysambu, a supermarket was looted, and in Kitengela, a hospital was vandalised after protesters clashed with police.

Nakuru’s Free Area also saw dramatic scenes as burning tyres and debris blocked the highway for hours.

As protests continue, the government’s contradictory messaging has drawn criticism, with citizens questioning the balance between security and civil liberties.