Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen./MINA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Kenyans to show respect for law enforcement officers, condemning recent instances of police being taunted during anti-government protests.
Speaking during the 5th Graduation Ceremony for Assistant County Commissioners at the Kenya School of Government, Murkomen stressed the importance of maintaining order and respecting police authority.
“I saw one citizen in Nakuru, when the police were trying to restore calm, a man was carrying a panga taunting a police officer,” he said.
“We really want to thank officers who restrained themselves. It was on camera, and you could see officers looking at those taunting them with pity, while some citizens were cheering on the provocateurs.”
The CS lamented the growing trend of police officers being mocked in public and vilified on social media, warning that such behavior undermines the rule of law.
“Without police authority, there would be anarchy,” Murkomen said. “We must support our officers as they maintain order, even as we hold to account the few who may abuse their powers.”
His remarks come amid nationwide protests triggered by the death of anti-corruption blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8.
Ojwang had been arrested two days earlier for allegedly publishing false information about a senior police official.
His death has sparked outrage, with protesters carrying signs reading “Stop killing us” and “Where is justice for Albert?” while facing tear gas and water cannons from riot police.
One police officer has been arrested in connection with
Ojwang’s death, a move the government says reflects its commitment to
accountability.
Murkomen reiterated that justice will be served in the Ojwang case, assuring the public that the government supports fair investigations and disciplinary measures where necessary.
"The citizens of Kenya must know that they have our support to deal with a few officers who may have misused a firearm or their authority—like the case we are dealing with right now," he said.
