Murkomen calls for legal framework to regulate right to protest

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for the urgent establishment of a legal framework to regulate demonstrations in the country.
His remarks follow Wednesday, June 25, 2025, chaotic protests that left a number of civilians dead and hundreds injured.
In a detailed five-page statement released on Thursday evening, Murkomen said the chaos witnessed across the country was not a peaceful exercise of constitutional rights but “terrorism disguised as dissent.” He said the government is now prioritising the operationalisation of Article 37 of the Constitution, which grants Kenyans the right to peaceful assembly.
“It is now urgent for us as a nation to put in place a legal framework that operationalises Article 37 of the Constitution to ensure that demonstrations are carried out in an orderly manner,” Murkomen stated.
The proposed law, he said, would require organisers to provide sufficient details—including the names of planners, purpose, date, time, and route of demonstrations—to enable police to offer adequate security and protect non-participants from disruptions.

The CS lamented the scale of destruction witnessed on June 25, which saw over 300 police officers injured, property vandalised, and critical infrastructure targeted. Murkomen accused protest organisers of planning attacks on businesses, roads, electricity lines, and homes of political leaders such as National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
“The massive looting had a clear motive—to cause fear and target properties of politicians and civilians alike who are aligned with the government,” he said.
Murkomen pointed to examples of peaceful assemblies, such as a Pentecostal group that held a prayer walk with law enforcement escort. “They followed a defined route and timeline—this is what the Constitution envisioned,” he noted.
While condemning the violence, Murkomen extended an olive branch to all stakeholders. “We welcome dialogue with the youth, grassroots voices, traders, civil society, and religious groups to address systemic issues and avoid descent into chaos,” he said.
As the government launches investigations into those allegedly behind the unrest, the success of Murkomen’s proposed framework will depend on its ability to strike a balance between upholding democratic freedoms and safeguarding public order.