Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the move by the police to barricade roads during the Saba Saba Day protests witnessed on Monday, July 7.
Through a statement, CS Murkomen termed the heightened security measures by police, as seen in the blocking of major roads leading to the Nairobi Central Business District, as necessary to protect citizens and secure property.
While lauding the law enforcement forces, the CS expressed his regret at the inconveniences caused by the measures, but still maintained that it helped in reducing violence, looting and destruction of property during Saba Saba.
Murkomen said the contribution of the men in uniform saw a stark reduction in incidents of violence, looting and destruction of property compared to the June 25 protests.
On the morning of Saba Saba, Kenyans woke up to roadblocks as police aimed to thwart entry to the CBD, a potential hotspot for the demos. This, in turn, disrupted transport and commercial activities as employed and self-employed Kenyans could not travel to their places of work.
“This evening, I went around Nairobi City to thank our law enforcement officers who were on duty to ensure the safety of our people and the security of their property,” Murkomen stated.
“While the inconvenience faced in accessing places of work today is regrettable, the heightened security measures were necessary to ensure the safety of our people and the security of their property and businesses,” he added.
At the same time, the Interior CS pledged immediate investigations on the perpetrators of violence and looting as seen in several areas across the country during the Saba Saba demos.
He cited the June 25 protests, where he referenced the arrests of alleged perpetrators of chaos and their subsequent arraignment before the courts.
“The criminals who wreaked havoc on the June 25th demonstrations have already been charged in court. Likewise, those responsible for today's incidents will also be investigated and charged,” Murkomen averred.
As per the latest reports on Saba Saba, it estimated at least 11 people lost their lives during the protests. The National Police Service revealed that a further 11 are said to have sustained more but unconfirmed reports indicated the number was higher.
NPS also disclosed that 52 police officers were believed to be injured during the demos. Out of the country's 47 counties, 23 are said to have experienced protests.
