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Murkomen explains why some police officers did not wear uniforms during protests
25th June, 2026 06:39 PM
The Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the deployment of some police officers in plain clothes during the June 25, 2026, anniversary protests, saying the move was part of security measures designed to protect law enforcement personnel.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Murkomen said security agencies employ various strategies to safeguard officers from being targeted while carrying out their duties.
According to Murkomen, among the strategies are the use of designated number plates, and in some instances, police officers may not wear uniforms as a security precaution.
“In the security sector, several measures are put in place to protect security officers from being targeted. These include the use of designated number plates, and in some instances, police officers may not wear uniforms as a security precaution,” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen maintained that such measures are not unusual within security operations and are intended to enhance the safety of officers, particularly in situations where they may face threats or become targets.
Further adding that during the Thursday Protest, DCI Officers were mingling with citizens across the country to ensure that if they see anybody committing an offence, they quickly arrest them.
“For example, there are many DCI officers who were mingling with citizens across the country to ensure that if they see anybody committing an offence, they quickly arrest them and be able to bring them before the law. So many security measures are applied, and that is one of them,” he added.
The arrests
In addition, Murkomen also revealed that at least 355 people were arrested across the country in connection with the protests, while praising Kenyans for maintaining peace during the commemoration of the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests.
Murkomen said the arrests were linked to various criminal offences committed under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.
“Consequently, a total of 355 arrests were made in connection with the demonstrations, and this is a developing case. It could be more than the 355,” Murkomen said.
According to the Interior CS, those arrested will be arraigned in court to face charges ranging from robbery, vandalism, road obstruction and attempted theft.
