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State to Continue With Terror Charges, Murkomen Warns

Nairobi, July 22, 2025 — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will press forward with terrorism charges against individuals involved in recent violent protests across Kenya, despite growing criticism.

Speaking at the Bomet IAAF Stadium on Monday, where he was hosted by the Bomet Administration Police Football Club, Murkomen emphasized that those responsible for orchestrating and participating in the chaos that led to loss of lives and destruction of property will face severe legal consequences.

The protests, notably on June 25 and July 7, saw widespread violence, including the burning of police stations, judiciary buildings, and business premises, as well as attacks on police officers and civilians.

Murkomen, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masenegli, Bomet Deputy Governor Shadrack Rotich, and Senator Hillary Sigei, described these acts as terrorism, dismissing claims that the charges are excessive.

“If you invade a police station, burn it, steal guns, burn houses and business premises, burn courts and judiciary buildings, what else is that crime called if not an act of terrorism?” he questioned.

Murkomen challenged critics of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), and the Judiciary to propose alternative charges for suspects who financed and executed such acts, including wielding machetes and petrol bombs to destroy property and security installations.

He stressed that the government’s investigations are ongoing, targeting not only participants but also planners and financiers of the violence.

“Those organizing citizens to participate in criminal activities in the name of picketing will be arrested and charged with terrorism,” he declared.

The Cabinet Secretary revealed that over 42 people have lost their lives in what he described as “acts of terrorism disguised as picketing.”

In addition to terrorism charges, suspects may face accusations of theft, robbery, arson, and other crimes as investigations progress.

Protestors march along Thika Road as they attempt to access Nairobi's CBD during the Saba Saba protest on July 7, 2025. Pic courtesy
Protestors march along Thika Road as they attempt to access Nairobi’s CBD during the Saba Saba protest on July 7, 2025. Pic courtesy.

Murkomen also addressed misconceptions about terrorism, noting that perpetrators are not limited to remote areas like Boni Forest or Mandera but can also operate from upscale urban centers.

The government’s firm stance follows a series of unprecedented attacks on police officers, with over 50 officers reportedly injured and several police stations targeted.

High-profile activists, including Boniface Mwangi, have been arrested in connection with these incidents, though Mwangi’s terrorism charges were recently dropped, and he now faces charges for illegal possession of ammunition.

The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit are said to be pursuing several prominent individuals and political activists.

Murkomen reiterated that the government will remain resolute, vowing to restore order and end attacks on security installations and personnel.

“However long it takes, there is no going back,” he said, signaling a sustained crackdown to ensure stability in the country.

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