Aasai

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has firmly stated that the government has no intention of compensating individuals or businesses that suffered losses during the chaotic protests held on Wednesday, June 25. Speaking during a press briefing, the CS clarified that there is currently no provision in the national budget for such compensation, blaming the absence of a legal framework and calling on Parliament to enact laws that regulate demonstrations and define liability.

Murkomen emphasized the urgent need to hold protest organisers accountable whenever destruction occurs. He proposed that any law addressing protest-related damages should place financial and legal responsibility squarely on the organisers. “If we were to provide a budget that compensates people every time property is looted, then the best approach is for protest organisers to bear the greatest responsibility,” he asserted.

He pointed to the port city of Mombasa as a model for how peaceful and orderly protests should be conducted, suggesting that if similar discipline were applied countrywide, incidences of looting and destruction would significantly decrease. “That is why we insist on a law defining where the organisers will hold their demos, what time and where. Mombasa is an example of how public protests should occur,” Murkomen added.

Despite the firm stance on government compensation, Murkomen revealed that some national leaders, including himself, were considering making personal contributions to assist those whose businesses were vandalized or looted. He described this gesture as a humanitarian response rather than an official government obligation.

The Interior CS painted a grim picture of the events that unfolded on June 25, describing how what began as protests quickly descended into chaos and criminal activity. According to him, the destruction persisted until midnight, with criminal elements—whom he labeled as "goons"—wreaking havoc in various parts of Nairobi and other towns. Murkomen claimed these individuals were ferried in from counties like Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga, and were responsible for acts of violence, theft, and intimidation.

“The destruction went all the way to midnight. Goons were brought from Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and were left in town, others on Thika Road and on their way home, they went causing havoc and mayhem. The police were overwhelmed,” he said.

Murkomen further alleged that these criminal activities were politically motivated, with some politicians deliberately assembling and deploying thugs to disrupt peace. He described the situation as one of the worst in recent years, with billions worth of property destroyed, particularly in supermarkets, electronics stores, and restaurants that were looted or set ablaze.

In closing, Murkomen reiterated the importance of regulatory reforms, stating that without clear laws and punitive measures, such destruction would likely recur in future demonstrations. He urged Parliament to move with speed to formulate laws that outline protest guidelines, including time, location, and legal accountability for damage.

His comments come amid public outcry from business owners and citizens who suffered massive losses during the protests and were hoping for government intervention or support. However, with Murkomen’s declaration, such hopes appear dim unless legislative changes are made.