Wednesday protest was attempted coup, Murkomen claims

Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaking during a press address on the state of security in the country at Harambee House, Nairobi on June 26, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has claimed that the organisers of Wednesday’s nationwide protests were attempting to orchestrate a coup.

Speaking during a press briefing after touring parts of Nairobi to assess the aftermath of the protests, Murkomen alleged that the demonstrations were a calculated and coordinated attempt to overthrow the government.

“The plan was to take symbols of authority and democracy — which is Parliament and State House — to show that they had achieved some sort of regime change,” Murkomen said.

“This was not a protest or freedom of expression, but an unconstitutional attempt to change the regime of the Republic of Kenya.”

The CS commended the police for what he termed as successfully foiling an attempted coup, asserting that law enforcement acted decisively to prevent the collapse of public order and state institutions.

Murkomen further stated that the events were not spontaneous but carefully orchestrated.

“It was not random. It was deliberate. It was coordinated. It was funded. It was premeditated and politically instigated,” he told journalists.

According to Murkomen, those behind the protests had a clearly defined strategy, parts of which were shared publicly, including through social media platforms.

“There was no protest; it was chaos and anarchy,” he said, maintaining a hard stance against what he described as a threat to national stability.

The protests, which erupted in at least 24 counties, turned violent, with Murkomen confirming that at least 10 people were killed, though he noted investigations into the exact number and circumstances were ongoing.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have put the death toll at 16.

“Over 400 people were injured, close to 300 being police officers, some left with injuries they will carry for the rest of their lives,” Murkomen said.

The CS also detailed extensive damage to government infrastructure and property, noting that key installations were deliberately targeted.

“At least nine police stations were attacked, five of which were torched including Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalau. Eighty eight police vehicles were destroyed. A total of 27 national and county government vehicles were damaged, while 65 civilian vehicles — including a school bus — were burnt at various police stations.”