Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday lashed out at the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, accusing her and the organisation of defending individuals he termed as “criminals” and “terrorists.”
Murkomen made the remarks during the Jukwaa la Usalama press briefing in Uasin Gishu County, where he expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of legal professionals prioritising the rights of suspects over the security of citizens.
Murkomen criticised the LSK President for pushing to reduce bail terms for individuals linked to violent protests, destruction of property, and attacks on public institutions.
“I reiterate, as a member of the Law Society of Kenya, I totally disagree with those who want to make it look cheap when we say that people burning police stations, supermarkets, county vehicles, houses, and stealing guns should be treated as criminals. These are clearly acts of terror,” he said.
Murkomen further claimed that protests held on June 25 and July 7 were part of a broader plot to destabilise the country and involved plans to import “goons” from other counties to cause mayhem in Eldoret and other towns. He alleged that the government had intelligence on the financiers and organisers of the chaos.
“The security team is finalising investigations, particularly on the financials and the chief insiders in this county. Arrests will be done in good time. Those who financed attempted attacks on property will be properly charged,” Murkomen stated.
He maintained that those involved in violent acts would be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, arguing that the law clearly defines such conduct as terrorism. “If we find them attempting to do so, even in this city, we are going to charge them for what it is,” he warned.
Murkomen also warned that security agencies would act firmly and decisively against any politically motivated incitement or mobilisation of youth to engage in violence. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards disorder and acts meant to paralyse public services or endanger lives.
“We are going to be ruthless against those political actors. Some of them tried to bring chaos into this county. They will not get away with it,” he told the media.
Turning his attention back to the legal fraternity, Murkomen urged the LSK to align with the national interest and the safety of ordinary Kenyans, rather than be seen to defend lawbreakers. “The Law Society of Kenya must be on the side of Kenyans, not criminals,” he said.
Although he did not mention activist Boniface Mwangi by name, Murkomen appeared to reference the recent decision by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to drop terror charges against him.
The CS insisted that the government had not abandoned its pursuit of accountability and that the government would embark on his case should further evidence linking him to the initial charges be found. “The fact that charges were dropped does not mean action will not be taken later,” he cautioned
