Murkomen defends terrorism charges, accuses LSK of shielding 'criminals'

When Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and senior police officers launched the revamped Fichua Kwa DCI Platform, which allows the public to report crimes anonymously. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

The state has upheld its position of preferring terrorism charges against anti-government protesters, accusing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) of shielding criminals.

This comes in response to criticisms directed at the government for charging protesters with terrorism.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that hundreds of those charged in connection with the July 7th protests were criminals.

Speaking in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, the CS, who is on a five-day working tour of North Rift counties, urged the LSK to support the arrest and prosecution of these individuals instead of defending them.

He emphasized that the legal community should collaborate with business owners and citizens who suffered losses during the unrest and back the arrests and court proceedings of those accused of terrorism charges.

Murkomen defended the charges, asserting that they are defined in the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

He claimed that there is ample evidence against the suspects, stating that those who engage in terrorism must have their day in court, and that the LSK should refrain from representing them.

“There is no reason for the LSK to expend energy trying to reduce bail terms for suspected criminals who have been properly arrested at the scene, burning properties, police stations, or courts," Murkomen stated.

"These are terrorists who must face the judicial process, and they should not receive assistance from any civilized person, let alone the LSK," he added.

The government's decision to apply POTA against protesters has drawn widespread backlash from political leaders, legal experts, and the public. Critics argue that the charges are excessive and intended to suppress dissent.

However, Murkomen insisted that the government will continue to arrest such individuals and charge them as part of its efforts to prevent crime in the country.

“I completely disagree with those who want to downplay the situation. They wish to trivialize matters when we assert that individuals who burn courts, police stations, and businesses with petrol bombs, steal firearms, destroy police officers’ homes, vandalize county government vehicles, and loot supermarkets must be arrested and charged accordingly,” said the CS.

On the other hand, the LSK led by its President Faith Odhiambo has repeatedly faulted the criminal justice system for allegedly misapplying POTA, arguing that protesters cannot be charged with terrorism unless there is irrefutable evidence of terrorist intent.

Murkomen further urged the courts to be firm and partner with the National police service (NPS) and the security sector in trying to forestall a crisis in the country.