Speaking after a series of demonstrations that turned violent in several towns, Murkomen said the protests had gone beyond peaceful expression of grievances and had instead become an organised campaign targeting public infrastructure, businesses and government supporters.
The CS claimed intelligence reports indicated that certain political actors had infiltrated the protests with hired gangs whose mission was to incite violence, loot shops and destroy public property.
According to Murkomen, the destruction witnessed during the protests was not accidental but carefully coordinated to create fear and economic disruption.
He warned that the government would not tolerate individuals using legitimate public concerns over rising fuel prices as an excuse to engage in criminal activity.
Murkomen maintained that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully, but stressed that violence, intimidation and vandalism would be dealt with firmly by security agencies.
The Interior CS further alleged that some government development projects had been deliberately targeted during the unrest, with roads, county offices and public vehicles vandalised in the process.
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He also accused some politicians of encouraging attacks against individuals perceived to support the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Murkomen praised police officers for what he described as restraint and professionalism while handling the protests despite facing attacks from sections of demonstrators.
Several officers were reportedly injured during clashes in parts of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa as protesters engaged police in running battles.
At the same time, the CS urged political leaders to exercise responsibility and avoid statements capable of inciting the public. He warned that leaders found financing or organising violence would face the full force of the law regardless of their political status.
The protests erupted following sharp increases in fuel prices that have triggered public outrage and renewed pressure on the government to intervene and cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of living.
Transport operators, traders and ordinary citizens have continued to complain that higher fuel costs are driving up prices of basic commodities and services.
Despite the criticism facing the government, Murkomen defended ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, insisting that violence would not provide solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
He called for dialogue and peaceful engagement between leaders and citizens to address the concerns raised by Kenyans.
Security agencies have since intensified investigations into the destruction and looting witnessed during the protests as the government moves to identify and prosecute those responsible.
