Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the police’s handling of suspects, noting that not all individuals are taken to court immediately after arrest.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 20, 20255, Murkomen explained that some individuals remain under investigation before they are presented in court.

“Not all persons who are arrested are taken to court; some are arrested, they record the statement, and the investigations continue until such time they will get an order from the court to appear before it to take a plea,” Murkomen said.

The CS addressed concerns about people reported missing after police arrests, noting that in some cases, the individuals may still be under active investigation.

“If there is any person unaccounted for between the arrest and judgment, probably that person was arrested, recorded the statement, and further investigations are going on,” he stated.

Murkomen insisted that the government is tracking those already taken through the judicial process.

“I’m happy they know the numbers of those in courts and we will provide that information in good time if anybody needs it,” he said.

He pointed out that charges depend on the strength of evidence gathered during investigations, stressing that suspects will face justice once files are complete.

“Those who have been arrested for various suspected offences, eg terror, robbery, depending on the evidence we found against you, you will be judged for the offence that you committed or that we suspect you committed,” Murkomen said.

The Interior CS also responded to growing concerns over reports of missing persons linked to police operations, particularly in cases involving security crackdowns. He explained that there are legal avenues available for families seeking answers. “If a person is missing, then there is a procedure for reporting a missing person,” he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of longstanding criticism of Kenya’s criminal justice system, with rights groups often questioning the gap between arrests and court appearances. Civil society organisations have repeatedly raised alarm over enforced disappearances and the lack of accountability in some police operations.

Murkomen’s comments underline the government’s position that suspects may not always appear in court immediately, but could still be within the system as investigations continue. His assurance that records are available for those already in court and his call for families to use formal channels for reporting missing persons may shape the debate over transparency in handling arrests.

The statement highlights a delicate balance between national security priorities and public concerns about due process. Murkomen clarified that while investigations may at times delay court appearances, suspects remain subject to the law and their status can always be verified through official channels.