Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged the Judiciary to take a firmer stand against suspects accused of crimes committed during protests, saying stronger cooperation with security agencies is needed to stop violence, protect businesses and prevent lawlessness from taking root.
Speaking in Keringet, Nakuru County, on Saturday, Murkomen said the government remains fully prepared to respond to any threat to the country's security, adding that security agencies are on high alert and will not allow criminal elements to destabilise the nation.
"I want to assure the people of Kenya that the National Police Service, our security agencies, our Defence Forces and our intelligence services are fully alert. We will not allow anything wayward to happen in our country," he said while in Keringet, Nakuru County Saturday.
Murkomen said the fight against crime requires all State institutions to work together, urging the Judiciary to support efforts to prosecute suspects accused of looting, setting property on fire and destroying businesses during demonstrations.
"I want to ask the Judiciary to support each other with us. When we bring before the courts someone accused of criminal acts, burning property or destroying other people's businesses, we need cooperation to ensure these issues are dealt with," Murkomen said.
He said police officers are becoming frustrated when suspects are released shortly after being arrested despite the risks officers take while enforcing the law.
"You arrest a suspect, but before the officer even gets home, the suspect has already been released and is asking the officer why they were arrested in the first place," he said.
Murkomen maintained that the Constitution protects the right to peaceful demonstrations but said those who engage in criminal activities while taking part in protests must face the law.
He said safeguarding lives, businesses and public infrastructure remains a key duty of the government and called on every institution to play its role in protecting the rule of law.
The Cabinet Secretary added that security agencies will continue carrying out their work within the law while taking firm action against those involved in violence, vandalism and other criminal acts.
His remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to deal with organised crime, drug trafficking and insecurity in different parts of the country.
During his visit to Keringet, Murkomen ordered the transfer of all police officers serving at Keringet Police Station. He also announced the deployment of a special anti-drug operations team and 20 additional police officers to strengthen security in the area.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary, announced tougher operations against criminal gangs and cautioned politicians against misusing government-assigned VIP security officers.
Murkomen also appealed to Kenyans to support law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and respecting the rule of law, saying lasting peace depends on cooperation between the Executive, the Judiciary and the public.