NAIROBI, June 25 — Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has praised security agencies for what he termed a successful operation to protect lives and property during the June 25 demonstrations, while also commending sections of the media for what he described as responsible reporting.
Speaking in Nairobi after the protests, Murkomen thanked police officers and other security personnel for maintaining order, saying they had effectively dealt with individuals who had allegedly sought to cause harm and disrupt peace in the capital.
The Cabinet Secretary also expressed regret to Kenyans whose daily activities were disrupted by the security operations and restrictions put in place to maintain public safety.
“We would like to apologise to Kenyans who may have been inconvenienced while going to work, conducting business or accessing various services as a result of the measures taken to preserve peace,” he said.
Murkomen reiterated the government’s position that Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully, urging citizens to embrace lawful and non-violent forms of protest.
He singled out Mombasa for praise, citing what he described as a positive example of cooperation between demonstrators and law enforcement officers.
According to the CS, protesters in the coastal city conducted their demonstrations peacefully while working alongside police officers to ensure public order was maintained.
“We have seen how citizens and police can work together, allowing people to exercise their democratic rights while preserving peace and security,” he said.
The Interior CS also lauded journalists and media houses for their coverage of the demonstrations, saying many outlets had reported events accurately and professionally.
He specifically referenced coverage aired by NTV along Thika Road, where journalists reported that police were dispersing individuals allegedly involved in criminal acts, including stone-throwing.
Murkomen said such reporting reflected professionalism and objectivity, adding that most media organisations had performed commendably throughout the day.
“I must commend the media houses today for a job well done. We are very proud of you,” he said.
At the same time, the Cabinet Secretary challenged media organisations to exercise greater scrutiny when hosting analysts and commentators during live broadcasts. He noted that some analysts expressed strong personal opinions without providing sufficient evidence to support their claims.
Murkomen urged journalists and programme hosts to ensure discussions remain balanced and fact-based, saying responsible journalism requires challenging unsubstantiated assertions.
The remarks came as security agencies continued to monitor the situation following nationwide demonstrations held to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-government protests, which sparked widespread debate on governance, accountability and the right to peaceful assembly.
Authorities have maintained that security operations were aimed at protecting lives and property, while civil society groups and protest organisers have continued to call for the protection of constitutional freedoms