Interior Minister Murkomen slams LSK over bail for violent protesters

Interior Cabinet Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has sharply criticised the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing it of siding with criminals by advocating bail for violent protesters involved in the recent riots that saw widespread destruction of property.
Speaking on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, during the Jukwaa la Usalama campaign in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Murkomen singled out LSK President Faith Odhiambo for what he described as a lack of support for business owners who suffered significant losses during the July 25th and Saba Saba protests.
“It seems the LSK has forgotten its role to the citizens. Defending terrorists who cause harm to struggling Kenyans is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.
He urged the courts not to yield to pressure from the LSK by granting easy bail and bonds to suspects linked to property destruction.
Murkomen also defended the government’s use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) against the protesters, stating there is sufficient evidence to prosecute them. Despite opposition criticism, he affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyan citizens.
“We have all the CCTV footage and voice recordings of the suspects. Regardless of negativity from the opposition, we will continue fulfilling our mandate to protect Kenyans by the Constitution,” he emphasised.
Section 30 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, criminalises knowingly supporting or soliciting support for terrorist acts, whether by individuals or groups, and provides the legal basis for current prosecutions.
In his address, Murkomen issued a stern warning to political leaders who incite gangs to disrupt public order, stressing that the security agencies are prepared to handle such threats lawfully. This comes amid increased accusations against politicians for incitement during the ongoing opposition surge.
The CS is set to lead a four-day security engagement tour across the North Rift region to bolster law enforcement coordination and public safety efforts.