Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned Tuesday’s anti-government protests, describing them as terrorism disguised as dissent during a press briefing held in Nairobi on June 26, 2025.

In a strongly worded address, Murkomen dismissed claims that the demonstrations were peaceful, instead accusing protestors of orchestrating violence, looting, and destruction of property across multiple counties.

“There was no peaceful demonstration. It was riots, chaos, and anarchy,” he said. “We condemn the criminal anarchists who, in the name of democracy, unleashed a wave of terror upon our people.”

His remarks come a day after nationwide protests left at least 16 people dead, mostly due to police action, according to Amnesty International Kenya. The June 25 demonstrations were held to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly protests against the Finance Bill, which saw over 60 people killed.

Murkomen claimed the unrest was neither organic nor spontaneous but “planned, deliberate, coordinated, funded, and politically instigated.” He said critical infrastructure—such as roads, railways, and power installations—was targeted alongside private businesses and homes belonging to government-allied politicians, including MPs Kimani Ichung’wah, Kuria Kimani, and Eric Wamumbi.

“This wasn’t an expression of grievances. It was a calculated attempt to destabilise the country,” Murkomen asserted, adding that the attacks bore the hallmarks of sabotage.

The CS vowed a nationwide manhunt for perpetrators and their financiers. “We are using technology to identify all those involved,” he said, revealing that some individuals were captured on CCTV looting and destroying property. He also alleged that some vehicles were used to distribute money to protestors, suggesting a deeper web of orchestration.

During the presser, he noted that key government offices were targeted, and the criminals were aiming at the officers on duty, adding that they were after guns in the armouries and police uniforms. He further revealed that five firearms were stolen from the Dagoretti Police post.

While Murkomen praised security forces for their response, rights groups and opposition leaders have criticised the government’s heavy-handed approach, calling for an independent investigation into the killings.

Murkomen, however, maintained that order must be restored. “We will not allow this country to be hijacked by criminal elements hiding behind political slogans,” he said. “All those responsible—on the streets or in boardrooms—will be brought to book.”

As tensions remain high, his statement signals the government’s intent to tighten security measures while intensifying investigations into what officials now consider a national security threat.