Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has criticised members of the clergy, foreign diplomats, and sections of the opposition for remaining silent in the face of rising attacks on police officers during recent protests.
Speaking on Saturday, June 28,2025, during a meeting at State House, just days after the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, anti-tax demonstrations, Murkomen expressed frustration over what he termed “selective concern” from influential voices in society.
“When a police officer is attacked or a police station is burned, no church leader will speak. No foreign envoy will speak. These so-called opposition leaders will speak,” he said.
Murkomen defended the police service, stating that officers risk their lives daily, especially those deployed to the country’s borders, where they face threats from armed groups like al-Shabaab.
“They sleep in bony forests… putting their lives on the line to save citizens. And it has become so fashionable for all of us to close our ears,” he added.
His remarks join a growing chorus from senior leaders calling out what they view as a lack of balanced outrage.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula recently voiced similar sentiments, saying it was troubling that clergy and foreign diplomats who had previously supported the Gen Z protests were now silent amid escalating violence.
“It is deeply concerning that the same ambassadors and clergy who supported the demonstrations have now gone silent, especially after the protests turned violent and posed a serious threat to national peace and cohesion,” Wetang’ula said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also weighed in following the June 25 protest anniversary, warning that national unity was at risk and urging leaders to be consistent in condemning violence.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) struck a different tone, criticising the state for its heavy-handed response to peaceful protests.
“We have witnessed the harassment, abduction, and in some cases, killing of young people whose only offence was raising their voice for accountability and justice,” said KCCB Chair Rev. Maurice Muhatia.
The bishops condemned the use of excessive force and urged government agencies to uphold the rule of law, while also calling for a permanent memorial to honour youth killed during the 2024 protests.
As Kenya grapples with renewed civic unrest and growing youth discontent, Murkomen’s comments highlight deepening rifts over the role of law enforcement and the responsibilities of moral and political leaders.
