Kipchumba Murkomen Praises Police for Dealing Ruthlessly with Gen Z Protesters: "Job Well Done"

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the National Police Service (NPS) officers acted under immense pressure and were not guilty of using excessive force
• Murkomen condemned the protests, which he described as an attempt to overthrow the government, targeting key government institutions such as State House and Parliament
• The CS expressed unwavering support for the police officers involved, stating that the government and ministry stand behind them, promising legal backing

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commended the National Police Service (NPS) officers on how they handled the Gen Z demonstrations.

During the Wednesday, June 25, demonstrations, police officers came under sharp criticism for allegedly using excessive force on protesters.

What Kipchumba Murkomen said about June 25 protests

However, in a press statement, Murkomen strongly defended the police, arguing that they acted under a lot of strain.

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Kipchumba Murkomen gives police shoot to kill orders for anyone protesting near stations

While terming the demonstrations an attempt to overthrow the government, Murkomen praised the cops for a "job well done in foiling an attempted coup” during protests that he said targeted State House and Parliament.

"All the police officers who did a very good job yesterday, you have my full support, 100%. Even if you need a lawyer, or you need anything, I have it; you have my back, and you have the back of this ministry and the government has your back. If you are a police officer and you are being threatened with some character saying that you committed any excesses, there is no police officer who committed any excesses yesterday," Murkomen said.

Amid reports that some protesters were shot dead, Murkomen wondered how Kenyans expected police to use guns when threatened by those engaged in violent demonstrations.

"Police officers foiled a coup, and they deserve our defence. They don't carry guns as toys. When you threaten a police officer, you want to kill them. When you want to, when you attack an armory in a police station, when you steal guns, when you burn guns, when you burn a police station, you want us to celebrate you and bring you a birthday cake," he said.

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Iain Njiraini claims Gen Z protesters enjoy violence during demos: "They want it exactly as it is"

The Interior CS vowed to defend all the officers involved in the operation, arguing no one, including the church, will stand to defend the men and women in uniform.

"I know that no church member or diplomat will come publicly to defend the police because it is not in their interest for Kenya to be a safe nation," the CS stated.

What you need to know about Gen Z protests?

• The Interior CS regretted that hundreds of traders have lost livelihoods built through hard work, just because of lawlessness by some Kenyans
• Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale slammed police for shooting dead a Thika Technical Training Institute student
• A Former Three student was shot dead following violent demonistrations in Molo, Nakuru county

How many people died during Gen Z protests?

In related news, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) revealed that over ten people were killed and 207 were injured during the Gen Z protests.

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Charles Owino defends police after deadly confrontation with protesters: "There was provocation"

IPOA said it had launched investigations, given that the police allegedly shot some of those who died.

During the protests, many armed gangs looted various businesses in the CBD, and others burnt public properties.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke