Muturi to Murkomen: Get facts right on terrorism law
By Aloys Michael, July 24, 2025Former National Assembly Speaker and Attorney General Justin Muturi has dismissed claims by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, suggesting he presided over the passage of the Prevention of Terrorism Act during his tenure.
The exchange between the two senior officials comes against the backdrop of a national debate over the government’s move to charge individuals linked to recent anti-government protests under anti-terrorism laws.
The debate also highlights growing tensions between the government and legal professionals over the scope and application of the country’s anti-terror laws, particularly in response to civil unrest.
Muturi, who served as Speaker between 2013 and 2022, stated that the law in question was enacted before his tenure.
“The Prevention of Terrorism Act was enacted by the 10th Parliament under the Grand Coalition Government. It is Act No. 30 of 2012,” Muturi clarified in a statement on his X account on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
He went on to state that what was passed during his tenure as Speaker was the Security Laws (Amendment) Act, not the original anti-terrorism legislation.
“The Security Laws Amendment Act was passed on December 18, 2014, by the 11th Parliament, which I presided over. It is Act No. 19 of 2014,” the statement read, noting that the amendment touched on various laws, including the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Immigration Act, Prisons Act, and others.
He urged CS Murkomen to check his facts before making public statements.
“I would advise the Cabinet Secretary to verify facts before feeding the public propaganda,” said Muturi.
But Murkomen, speaking during a security engagement forum in Uasin Gishu, insisted that Muturi oversaw the passage of the anti-terrorism law.
“Does former Speaker Justin Muturi forget that he passed this law by hook or by crook?” Murkomen posed.
“He was sitting there when the National Assembly passed the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He stood very firm and insisted that Kenya needed strong laws to protect the people from rogue elements.”
Murkomen’s arguments
Murkomen has been vocal in his support for the charges and taking the persons of interest to book.
On July 23, 2025, he reiterated that the government would not back down from using the anti-terrorism law against protestors accused of such actions.
“The Prevention of Terrorism Act is clear and unambiguous. Orchestrating violence, endangering life, using firearms or explosives, and interfering with essential services are all defined as acts of terror,” Murkomen stated.
“How better can we define those using petrol bombs to burn courts and other critical infrastructure?”
He further urged the judiciary not to yield to public pressure by issuing lenient bail terms.
“Our courts must not be intimidated. Kenyans deserve protection from acts that threaten the country’s peace and order,” the CS said.