The government has condemned what it terms as a wave of orchestrated and premeditated attacks on security installations and public infrastructure across the country, warning that those behind the violence will face the full force of the law.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the incidents, which occurred on June 25 and July 7, as a dangerous escalation of criminality intended to destabilise the country, undermine constitutional order, and instil fear among citizens.
Addressing the press at Harambee House Tuesday, the CS noted that the unprecedented level of destruction, including the torching of 16 police stations and posts, theft of firearms, and looting of business premises, signalled a coordinated attempt to paralyse state authority and public safety.
“This was not a protest. It was deliberate, dangerous, and deeply disturbing criminality designed to sabotage the state’s capacity to maintain law and order,” stated Murkomen.
In one of the most brazen attacks, according to the CS, armed gangs stormed Agorete Police Post, stealing five guns, torching residential units and official buildings, and vandalising four government vehicles, including one belonging to the officer in charge.
In Kikuyu, Kiambu County, Murkomen reported that mobs targeted multiple government offices, including the police station, sub-county headquarters, law courts, registration office, and county offices, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Other significant incidents included the Ol Kalou Police Station raid in Nyandarua County, where arsonists killed three detainees in custody, burnt down the report office and exhibit store, and torched 26 vehicles and 18 government motorbikes, whereas in Machakos County, eight officers were injured during an attack on Matu Police Station, with 18 suspects already arraigned.
Taking the above into account, CS Murkomen disclosed that in total, close to 1,500 suspects have been arrested and are facing charges ranging from terrorism, murder, robbery with violence, to arson and malicious damage to property. Of these, 50 suspects are under investigation by crime units, while 71 cases are being handled by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.
“What we are witnessing is the first time in our history that security installations are being targeted on this magnitude. These are not demonstrations but acts that fall squarely under terrorism as defined by the law,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, businesses also suffered heavily in the unrest, with supermarkets, retail stores, and private enterprises looted or destroyed in Nakuru, Kiambu, Nairobi, Eldoret, Meru, Kirinyaga, and Kajiado Counties.
In Naivasha, looters raided Naivas, Power Star, and Ketia supermarkets. In Ruiru, CCTV systems were disabled before mobs carried away goods from Carrefour and Quickmart.
In Kitengela, rioters stormed the sub-county hospital, interrupting a caesarean surgery in progress and terrorising patients and medical personnel.
“The suspects were released on a KSh 50,000 cash bail. That is unacceptable,” lamented the CS.
While lauding security agencies for foiling further attacks, Murkomen acknowledged public concern regarding the use of force by police officers.
The CS affirmed that any law enforcement officer found culpable of misconduct or excessive use of force will be held accountable, including one officer who is already facing murder charges.
He also announced plans to issue a new policy directive on the use of force and firearms by the National Police Service later this week.
“Uniform or not, a police officer is bound by the law. There are no rogue squads operating under this administration,” he affirmed.
Further, the CS emphasised the constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 37, but warned against using protests as a cover for lawlessness.
“We will defend the right to demonstrate peacefully, but those who incite, fund, or engage in criminal acts will be prosecuted,” warned Murkomen.
He at the same time attributed the violence to political and financial actors bent on subverting the Constitution and inciting fear, claiming that investigations into the sponsors of the unrest are ongoing, including the involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activity during the chaos.
The CS called on Kenyans to reject violence, urging citizens to channel grievances through constitutional means.
“We cannot normalise the senseless loss of life and destruction of public property. This reign of terror must come to an end, at whatever cost,” he declared.
By Naif Rashid
