Murkomen blames ‘rogue politicians’ for violence during fuel price protests

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen./SCREENGRAB

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned violence, looting and destruction witnessed during anti-fuel price protests, accusing rogue politicians of mobilising criminal gangs to target government projects and supporters.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Murkomen said the demonstrations had in some areas been infiltrated by criminals bent on spreading fear and chaos.

“Whereas we take cognisance of the fact that fuel prices have risen significantly as a result of the ongoing global political crisis, looting, violence, blocking roads, and vandalising public and private property can in no way bring down the oil prices,” he said.

The Interior CS warned that disruption of transport and closure of businesses would only worsen the already difficult economic situation facing Kenyans.

“If anything, the disruption of transport and closure of business can only worsen the situation,” Murkomen stated.

His remarks came as protests erupted in several parts of the country over the rising cost of fuel and the high cost of living, paralysing transport and business activities in some towns.

Murkomen said the government was already engaging stakeholders in the transport sector to explore solutions aimed at easing the pressure caused by the increase in fuel prices.

“The government, led by the National Treasury and the Ministries of Energy and Transport are taking steps to engage with transport stakeholders to explore the ways of addressing price increases, and we have confidence that the talks will bear fruit,” he said.

The CS, however, expressed concern over what he termed 'coordinated attacks' targeting government-linked property and individuals perceived to support the administration.

“We are, however, concerned that although most parts of the country were peaceful, criminal elements in some parts have been mobilised and deployed by rogue politicians to target government projects, personal property, and property of pro-government leaders,” he said.

Murkomen cited several incidents, including looting and arson attacks, saying they pointed to a deliberate scheme to intimidate government supporters.

“The looting of supermarkets owned by an MP who supports the government, the burning down of UDA offices in Wote, and the torching of two trucks at the site of the Rironi Mau Summit flagship project are not coincidences but a calculated move to spread fear and intimidate government supporters and innocent public servants,” he added.

The government is yet to announce the number of alleged 'rogue politicians' who have been arrested in connection with the violence witnessed during the protests.

However, earlier police said at least 225 protesters have been arrested following protests, but the latest statement by CS Murkomen indicates a total of 348 protesters have been arrested. Police said the demonstrations were unlawful, disruptive, and economically damaging.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud earlier said officers had taken firm action during the unrest, which he claimed escalated into riots involving road blockages, destruction of property, and attacks on police officers.

“We have 225 arrests so far. We will charge them with serious offences, economic sabotage, and so many things, and the malicious damage of police vehicles. So, they will face serious consequences of the law,” he said.