Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a scathing attack on international media, accusing them of inciting unrest in Kenya through what he termed as "biased and celebratory reporting" during nationwide protests.
In a fiery press address, Murkomen expressed his deep frustration at how foreign journalists, including Kenyans working with global media houses, cover African affairs, especially protests, with what he called “careless freedom” that they would never dare exercise in their own countries.
“International media, except of course when they are reporting from Africa, and Nairobi especially, are very careful when it’s about Israel, America, or the UK. But when they come to our country? They report the situation as it is,” he said, with clear irritation.
The CS suggested that some journalists were more concerned with "impressing Western audiences" than safeguarding the nation’s image, insinuating that Kenyan international correspondents like CNN's Larry Madowo were part of the problem.
“Some of the reporters are so happy, they think they have achieved because they are being cheered in Western countries. They think it's very nice to come and report about your country negatively,” he lamented.
In what many see as a thinly veiled threat, Murkomen hinted that the government would not hesitate to shut down media houses when “national interest” collides with what he called “individual interest.”
@lightcasttvkenya "He thinks he has made it in life!~Murkomen roasts Larry Madowo
♬ original sound - Lightcast TV Kenya
“We are not going to wait until they are indicted. We have to take precautionary measures to ensure that we protect the country,” he warned, defending the recent ban on live coverage of protests across all media platforms in Kenya.
In an even more chilling moment, Murkomen directed police officers to take lethal action if protesters approached any police station, a reaction to the Wednesday demos, during which multiple police stations were reportedly torched.
“Mtu yeyote anakaribia police station piga yeye risasi,” he told officers bluntly in the presence of Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
@kikuyustartv #viral_video #kikuyutiktokers #titoktrending #fyp #viralvideo #trendingvideo #muranga #kiambu #kikuyutiktokers ♬ original sound - DPP KENYA
This comment, openly authorising police to shoot on sight, has since sparked fierce backlash online, with Kenyans and human rights advocates accusing the CS of endorsing state violence and bypassing legal due process.
Defending the escalating brutality witnessed in the streets, Murkomen argued that police firearms are not symbolic but rather tools to enforce law and order.
“These firearms are entrusted to you to maintain peace. Use them accordingly,” he told officers.
He went on to praise the police for what he described as “good work on the streets,” specifically referencing their use of teargas, live bullets, and their failure to stop looters, which he framed as necessary sacrifices in the name of public order.
“I want to thank you for the good work you did on the streets. You teargassed, you shot, and you defended yourselves,” he said.
In a move likely to further deepen mistrust in the justice system, Murkomen assured law enforcement officers that no police officer would be held accountable for any excessive actions during the protests.
“Any police officer caught on the wrong side of the law will not be punished. Instead, I will help them get away with it,” he vowed.