The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen has detailed extensive measures being undertaken to safeguard lives and property following a series of demonstrations in the country in June and July this year, leaving 42 Kenyans dead, over 600 injured, and public and private property destroyed.

Responding to Question by Hon. Kimani Kuria (Molo), on the state of security, CS Murkomen told the National Assembly that the demonstrations on 25th June 2025 and 7th July 2025 were “well-orchestrated and coordinated by certain actors with the intention of inciting unrest, destabilizing public order and undermining national stability.”

“On 25th June 2025, 42 Kenyans regrettably lost their lives and close to 600 others were injured, including 496 law enforcement officers,” the Interior CS said. “Public facilities bore the brunt of the destruction, criminals stole guns and razed residential buildings housing officers and their families at Dagoretti Police Post.”

He recounted widespread destruction across multiple counties, including the torching of 16 police stations and posts, vandalism of supermarkets in Naivasha, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kasarani, Eldoret, Meru and Kirinyaga, and attacks on hospitals and government offices.

The Cabinet Secretary explained that mobilization for the protests was largely conducted through social media hashtags with organizers failing to give prior notice to police as required by the Public Order Act.

“Despite advice by Police Commanders, no prior notifications were submitted to the police… contrary to assurances, the protests quickly escalated into chaos and violence, culminating in incidents of looting, arson and widespread destruction,” he noted.

The CS reminded the House that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions peaceably and unarmed, but stressed that “this right is not absolute” and is subject to reasonable limitations to protect public safety and the rights of others.

CS Murkomen outlined the legal requirement for organizers to notify police between three and 14 days before an event, providing details such as names, date, venue, purpose, expected participants, and route for processions. Failure to comply can result in arrests, prohibition, dispersal, and legal liability for damages.

On actions taken to prevent similar incidents, the CS told the House the government had intensified mobile and foot patrols, embraced modern policing technologies such as CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and digital communication systems, and leveraged intelligence networks to detect planned disturbances early.

“We have engaged with community leaders, civil society and Nyumba Kumi clusters to promote peaceful resolution before protests escalate,” he said, adding that public advisories were being issued in advance to encourage lawful demonstrations and warn against violence.

Molo MP, Hon Kimani Kuria also asked, “What are the actions being taken to forestall the destruction of property and death during demonstrations and when the government will apprehend the culprits responsible for financing and mobilization during demonstrations that led to destruction of property and deaths on 25th June 2025 and 7th July 2025.”

The CS revealed that the National Police Service had launched investigations into offences committed during the demonstrations, with financial statements and registration details of companies, NGOs and societies under forensic analysis.

On his part, Hon. Robert Mbui asked the CS to give details on remarks made by leaders on use of live ammunition and orders to shoot demonstrators on sight.

CS Murkomen said the Service was collaborating with multiple agencies, including the National Transport and Safety Authority, the National Registration Bureau, the Communications Authority, the National Intelligence Service, the Registrar of Companies, and the Financial Reporting Centre.

“So far, preliminary analysis of the evidence gathered has led to the identification of several persons of interest believed to have participated in illegal acts… About 1,500 people have been arrested countrywide and are facing various charges,” the minister reported.

Fifteen individuals linked to planning and mobilization have already been charged with offences ranging from terrorism, unlawful assembly, incitement to violence, arson, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of ammunition and teargas canisters.

CS Murkomen assured MPs that investigations to identify additional financiers and mobilizers were ongoing and that the government remained “steadfast in its commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the protection of life and property.”

Hon. Kuria, whose constituency saw destruction of the Molo Ward Administrator’s office and Molo Railway Station, welcomed the detailed response but pressed for swift prosecution of suspects to deter future unrest.