Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called the protests across the country on Wednesday a “carefully planned and illegal effort to change the government”. He stated that the government has clear evidence about who is organising and funding these protests.
During a press conference on Thursday, Murkomen said what happened was not just a protest but an attempt to overthrow the government, targeting important places like the State House and Parliament.
“That was not a peaceful protest. That was an attempted coup,” he said. “Everyone saw what took place. They were clearly trying to attack the symbols of government, but they did not succeed.”
He mentioned that the organisers brought people from places like Nyeri, Murang’a, and Thika to Nairobi to create chaos. “These are the same people seen stealing from citizens as they left,” he added.
According to Amnesty International, at least 16 people lost their lives during the protests, with more than 400 others getting hurt.
Among those who died was a security guard at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza headquarters. Fred Wamale Wanyonyi was shot at the Kolobot Road entrance and later died in the hospital.
Murkomen said over 300 police officers were also injured, some with serious injuries. Nine police stations were attacked, five of which were set on fire, including Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalou.
Eighty-eight police vehicles and more than 90 government and private cars were damaged or destroyed. Firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Post, and some were burnt at Gachui Police Post.
He claimed the demonstrations were meant to create fear and upset the country. Protesters shouted messages like “Take over power” and “Occupy State House” as they tried to break through police barriers.
Businesses, homes, and places linked to government supporters, including those owned by MPs Kimani Ichung’wah, Kimani Kuria, Eric Wamumbi, and Mwangi Kiunjuri, were attacked.
“This was a planned, funded operation that was politically motivated. It was terrorism disguised as protest,” Murkomen said.
Many stores, electronics shops, government buildings, and even a Catholic church in Embu were robbed and burnt. Important infrastructure, such as roads and water lines, was also damaged.
The Interior CS praised security officers for being calm and preventing attempts to break into State House, Parliament, and other key places.
He stated that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political or financial status.
“We will seek justice for all affected Kenyans,” Murkomen said.
He called for new laws to manage public protests, suggesting that organisers should provide clear plans that include their purpose, routes, and times for police coordination.
While condemning the violence, Murkomen said the government is willing to talk to young people, civil society, religious leaders, and others to address the deeper issues affecting the country.
“Kenya’s strength is in our unity. To peaceful citizens, the government stands with you. To those who want chaos, we will firmly defend this nation,” he said.
These protests marked one year since the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations against the Finance Bill that resulted in over 60 deaths. The movement has now grown into a larger call for fairness, justice, and inclusive governance.
