Aasai

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has insisted that the government is not hiding any information regarding the fatalities linked to the recent anti-government protests that rocked the country on June 25 and July 7. Speaking during a security meeting in Turkana County, Murkomen affirmed that the government’s official tally of 42 deaths is based on data directly verified by the National Police Service (NPS), and called for unity in establishing a common figure through transparent collaboration with human rights bodies.

The demonstrations, which were organised in opposition to proposed tax hikes under the controversial Finance Bill, saw widespread unrest and violent clashes between police and protesters in several counties across Kenya. According to police reports, 17 people were confirmed dead following the June 25 protests, while another 25 lost their lives during the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations. However, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and other civil society groups have disputed these numbers, reporting at least 61 deaths across the two events.

Murkomen dismissed any suggestion that the government was underreporting the figures for political convenience. “The statistics I presented are based on verified police records,” he said. “If KNCHR, which is a legally mandated human rights body, has recorded a different figure, we do not dispute it. What we ask is to harmonise the data through cooperation.”

He further underlined the government’s willingness to work with independent bodies to consolidate the data, saying, “There is no benefit in hiding figures. Every life matters, and we are committed to full transparency and accountability in the face of such a grave matter.”

In a particularly emotional moment, Murkomen addressed the tragic death of 12-year-old Bridget Njoki Wainaina, whose story has captured national attention. The young girl was fatally shot while watching television with her parents at their home in Ndumberi village, Kiambu County—two kilometers from the main protest site. A bullet, believed to have been fired during a confrontation between police and demonstrators, pierced their home’s wall and struck Bridget. She was rushed to St. Bridget’s Hospital but died despite doctors’ efforts to save her.

“This is a very painful incident, and it reminds us of the human cost of conflict,” Murkomen said. “Nobody in government is trying to conceal Bridget’s death or any other. We are fully committed to ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and that anyone found responsible will be held accountable.”

Human rights groups have continued to press for independent investigations, alleging excessive use of force by law enforcement. In response, Murkomen stated that all cases of police misconduct will be subjected to scrutiny and due legal process.

He reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue with civil society organisations, stating, “We are ready to engage, share data, and uphold the rights and dignity of every Kenyan citizen. The protection of life and truth must be at the centre of our response.”

As the country continues to debate the consequences of the protests and the government’s response, Murkomen’s statements reflect a cautious but firm effort to reassure the public and build trust amid growing calls for justice.