Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that detectives have arrested several suspects and launched investigations into politicians accused of plotting to disrupt the June 25 memorial protests.
Speaking at Harambee House on Wednesday, June 24, Murkomen said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was pursuing individuals allegedly mobilising goons to infiltrate demonstrations planned to honour young Kenyans killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Murkomen said police intelligence had uncovered a plot involving political actors who were allegedly recruiting youths from the Nairobi Metropolitan area to cause chaos during the protests.
According to the CS, the plan was to unleash gangs armed with crude weapons to attack businesses, peaceful protesters and innocent civilians.
He claimed the intention was to create violence and then shift the blame to the government and security agencies.
Murkomen also suggested that some of those publicly claiming the state plans to sponsor violence could be the same people behind the alleged plot.
Although he did not mention any names, his remarks appeared to point to a senior politician who recently urged Kenyans, especially young people, to avoid taking part in the demonstrations.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had on June 23 warned Gen Z protesters against joining the June 25 memorial protests.
Speaking from his Wamunyoro home, Gachagua claimed he had credible intelligence that the state was planning violence and urged people to stay indoors.
He also advised residents in Nairobi, the Mount Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok to shut down businesses and avoid unnecessary movement, saying the areas had been marked as possible hotspots.
Murkomen, however, insisted that security agencies would not tolerate criminal elements on the streets.
He warned that anyone found carrying weapons or engaging in violence during the protests would face the full force of the law, regardless of who sent them.
The Interior CS maintained that peaceful protesters would be protected and urged police officers to act professionally while handling the demonstrations.
The developments come as political divisions continue to emerge over the planned protests, with part of the opposition backing the memorial events and postponing rallies to allow supporters to take part in the nationwide commemorations.
