Murkomen Reveals New Framework To Regulate Public Protests
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hinted that the government may use stronger steps to manage public demonstrations following benchmarking visits to New York and London.
Speaking at the State House on Monday, June 15, Murkomen stated that the ministry was developing a clear structure to govern the constitutionally granted freedom to congregate, demonstrate, and picket.
It occurred during the presentation of a report on the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations.
He emphasized that, while Kenyans have the constitutional right to peaceful protest, the government is looking for tools to distinguish between lawful demonstrators and those who use protests to engage in criminal activity.
“The right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket must be implemented fully as enacted in the constitution,” Murkomen stated.
As the first administration to establish and roll out, on its own volition, a framework to recognize and compensate victims of human rights violations, the Kenya Kwanza government has once again demonstrated its commitment to justice, accountability, national healing, unity and… pic.twitter.com/4hXAbte5Gj— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) June 15, 2026
“However, it is important we have a clear framework that allows Kenyans to enjoy their right and we can differentiate goons from those enjoying this right.”
The measures, the CS said, were drawn from how the United States and England managed protesters previously.
According to Murkomen, authorities in the UK reportedly take firm action against individuals involved in violence during protests, particularly those found carrying weapons or engaging in criminal conduct.
Such jurisdictions, he added, maintain a clear separation between the exercise of democratic rights and acts that threaten public safety and order.
“If they see any demonstrator carrying any weapon, they take the severest measures against those criminals,” he added.
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During the visit, the Kenyan delegation also learnt the technological advances of the two law enforcement agencies, as the ministry prepares to roll out the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
Among the areas the ministry is considering to copy is the New York Police Department’s reliance on real-time data and intelligence gathering to enhance decision-making and deploy officers more effectively.
Police in New York use a real-time command centre that integrates information from surveillance cameras, emergency calls, field reports, and criminal databases to support rapid responses to incidents as they occur.
A few days ago, the government announced it had begun a review of protest laws.
The review seeks to ensure that constitutional freedoms are protected while maintaining public order and safeguarding lives and property.
The proposal is seeking to operationalise Article 37, which guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities peacefully.
Murkomen Reveals New Framework To Regulate Public Protests
