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Murkomen vows crackdown on leaders mobilising goons
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ddresses journalists at Harambee House in Nairobi on June 24, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Murkomen said some leaders were plotting to exploit the June 25 protests by unleashing criminal gangs to terrorise peaceful demonstrators.
- The Interior CS, however, stopped short of naming the leaders allegedly behind the plan, saying only that the government had intelligence.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday evening signalled a looming security crackdown ahead of today’s planned Gen Z anniversary protests, warning that prominent individuals accused of mobilising goons to infiltrate the demonstrations would begin facing arrest from Tuesday night.
In a strongly worded briefing at Harambee House, Mr Murkomen said the government had intelligence indicating that some leaders were plotting to exploit the June 25 protests by unleashing criminal gangs to terrorise peaceful demonstrators, attack businesses and cause chaos in Nairobi and neighbouring areas.
He said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had already launched investigations into the alleged mobilisation of goons and that detectives under DCI Director Mohamed Amin were actively pursuing those behind the scheme.
“Those responsible will face the full force of the law,” he said, adding that arrests of key figures linked to the mobilisation would begin immediately.
The Interior CS, however, stopped short of naming the leaders allegedly behind the plan, saying only that the government had intelligence pointing to the involvement of politicians and organisers using criminal networks to hijack what has been billed as a largely youth-led commemoration of last year’s anti-government protests.
Planning to import goons
He said the demonstrations would be allowed to proceed, but only if they remained peaceful and unarmed, as required by the Constitution. He insisted that June 25 would remain a normal working and school day, urging parents to take their children to school and wananchi to continue with their businesses without fear.
At the same time, he accused unnamed political actors of planning to import goons from counties neighbouring Nairobi to intimidate business owners and fuel violence under the cover of the protests.
The CS also took issue with sections of the media, saying journalists would be monitored in how they report the protests and arrests. He accused some reporters of portraying those detained during violent demonstrations as human rights defenders without interrogating their alleged role in criminal activity.
Even so, Mr Murkomen said the government respected the right to peaceful assembly and that police had been instructed to protect lawful protesters and the public while acting firmly against criminals and anyone seeking to turn the demonstrations violent. Police had earlier declared any demonstrations planned in Nairobi today illegal, citing a lack of notification from organisers.
Meanwhile, the Matatu Owners Association assured passengers that public transport services would operate normally. MOA chairperson Albert Karakacha said operators had agreed to continue offering services after receiving assurances from the government that security would be maintained.
The Kenya Bodaboda Riders and Owners Association and the Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya also announced that their members would continue operating.
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