Murkomen Hails Peaceful Gen Z Anniversary Protests

By Staff Writer

The government has hailed today’s Gen Z anniversary demonstrations as one of the most peaceful in recent years after reporting no widespread violence, looting or injuries across the country despite isolated criminal incidents.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the demonstrations were conducted peacefully across most parts of the country, with security agencies maintaining law and order while allowing families, friends of victims and members of the public to hold lawful processions.

Murkomen said the outcome demonstrated that constitutional rights could be exercised without disrupting public order, describing the day’s events as a positive indicator of Kenya’s democratic maturity and an example that should guide future public demonstrations.

“Firstly, I would like to commend all Kenyans for heeding the Government’s call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities today,” Murkomen said.

The Interior Ministry reported that no widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes or injuries were recorded during the demonstrations, while businesses continued operating normally in towns across the country despite concerns over possible disruptions.

According to the ministry, peaceful processions were held in Nairobi and Mombasa by families and friends of victims of previous protests, while economic activities continued uninterrupted in most parts of the country throughout the day.

“Today is proof that when demonstrations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, peace and security are guaranteed. This is the political culture we should encourage and promote as a country,” Murkomen said.

The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that security agencies mounted screening operations along major highways leading into Nairobi after receiving intelligence that criminal gangs were being transported into the city to disrupt the demonstrations and target businesses.

Murkomen said the precautionary security measures helped prevent disorder in the capital, although he acknowledged that the roadblocks inconvenienced members of the public travelling into Nairobi during the morning hours.

“Acting on credible intelligence that goons were being ferried from other parts of the country to cause a breach of peace in Nairobi, our security agencies took measures to protect businesses in the city and avert chaos,” he said.

Despite the largely peaceful demonstrations, police arrested 355 suspects in connection with offences committed during the protests, including robbery, vandalism, road obstruction and attempted stealing in several counties across the country.

Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36. Additional arrests were made in Murang’a, Bungoma, Meru, Laikipia and Machakos, while no arrests were reported in North Eastern, Nyanza and Coast regions.

The ministry also reported that Kariti Sub-Location Assistant Chief Anthony Gathungu sustained injuries after he was attacked by individuals attempting to erect a barricade in Kandara, Murang’a County, before receiving treatment and being discharged.

Murkomen commended security officers for maintaining professionalism throughout the demonstrations and also praised journalists and media houses for what he described as responsible and accurate reporting of events across the country.

“I commend our security agencies for their commitment and dedication to maintaining law and order. They acted with utmost professionalism and responded promptly to concerns raised by Wananchi,” Murkomen said.

The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to continue safeguarding national peace and stability, saying the country’s future depended on collective responsibility and continued respect for constitutional freedoms exercised within the law.