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Post Reply: Interior CS Murkomen Criticizes LSK for Defending Criminals Over Victims

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on July 24, 2025, 9:03 am</div><div id="pl-7181"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7181-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7181-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7181-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On July 23, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen publicly criticized the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for what he described as prioritizing the defense of criminals over advocating for victims during recent protests in Kenya. Speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Murkomen accused the LSK, particularly its president Faith Odhiambo, of undermining national security by focusing on securing lower bail terms for suspects involved in violent protests. His remarks come in the wake of widespread unrest during the June 25 and July 7, 2025, Gen Z-led protests, which resulted in significant property destruction and loss of life.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Murkomen expressed frustration with the LSK's stance, arguing that the organization has neglected its mandate to uphold the rights of all Kenyans, including those who suffered losses during the protests. He highlighted incidents of arson, looting, and attacks on public infrastructure, such as police stations and courts, which he classified as acts of terrorism. According to Murkomen, the LSK’s efforts to defend suspects arrested for these crimes, including those charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, trivialize the severity of their actions. He emphasized that individuals caught burning police stations, courts, and businesses with petrol bombs should be treated as terrorists and face the full force of the law.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Cabinet Secretary specifically called out LSK President Faith Odhiambo, a former student of his, stating that she was "damn wrong" for opposing the government’s decision to press terrorism charges against some protesters. Murkomen argued that the LSK should align with national interests and support efforts to maintain order, rather than defending individuals he claims infiltrated peaceful protests to cause chaos. He urged the judiciary to remain steadfast and resist pressure to reduce bail terms for those facing serious charges, asserting that leniency could exacerbate national security risks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Murkomen also alleged that certain politicians in Uasin Gishu County were inciting ethnic tensions and financing violent protests. He claimed that security agencies were finalizing investigations into these individuals, with arrests imminent. The Cabinet Secretary warned that those involved in planning and funding attacks on properties would face severe legal consequences, including charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He further noted that protests on June 25 and July 7 were part of a broader plot to destabilize the country, involving the transportation of "goons" from other counties to cause mayhem in Eldoret and other towns.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The LSK has faced criticism from Murkomen and other government officials for its response to the government’s handling of the protests, which resulted in 42 deaths and over 600 injuries, including nearly 300 police officers. Murkomen detailed the scale of destruction, noting that 16 police stations and posts were burned or destroyed, 88 police vehicles and 27 national and county government vehicles were damaged, and firearms were stolen in several incidents. He argued that these acts left communities vulnerable to crime and underscored the need for strong legal action against perpetrators.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In response, the LSK has maintained that its mandate, as outlined in Section 4 of the Law Society of Kenya Act, emphasizes neutrality, objectivity, and fidelity to the law. The organization has previously condemned Murkomen for comments perceived as endorsing unlawful police actions, including an alleged "shoot-to-kill" order during the June 25 protests. The LSK warned that any police officer acting on such orders would face personal responsibility and potential criminal prosecution, emphasizing that the right to life is protected under the Constitution and subject to strict legal limitations.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Murkomen’s remarks have intensified tensions between the government and the LSK, with the latter facing accusations of undermining anti-terrorism efforts. The Cabinet Secretary’s comments also follow a motion filed by Nairobi-based advocate Kepha Ojijo to remove Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from the Roll of Advocates, citing their alleged roles in state-sanctioned violence during the protests. The motion argues that their actions tarnish the legal profession and constitute professional misconduct.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As Kenya navigates the aftermath of the protests, Murkomen has called for greater accountability from both the police and the public. He has introduced reforms, including mandatory annual constitutional training for all police officers and new guidelines on the use of force and firearms, to address rising cases of police brutality. Additionally, he has proposed equipping officers with body-worn cameras to monitor their conduct and curb excessive force. Murkomen has also denied claims of a police death squad, asserting that no such unit exists under the current administration.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The ongoing dispute between Murkomen and the LSK highlights broader tensions over the balance between national security and the protection of individual rights. While the government pushes for stringent measures to curb protest-related violence, the LSK continues to advocate for due process and accountability, particularly in cases involving alleged police misconduct. As investigations into the protests and related incidents continue, the debate over the role of legal institutions in addressing civil unrest remains a critical issue in Kenya’s public discourse.</p>
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