Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has taken a hard stance against what he described as the normalisation of criminality under the cover of civil liberties, accusing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and some civil society organizations of shielding suspects involved in recent violent protests across the country.

In what he termed as “rebel-like” behavior emerging in certain parts of the country,  Murkomen expressed concern over individuals openly displaying sophisticated weapons while making inflammatory statements online under the pretense of exercising free speech.

Speaking in Nanyuki during an inspection of services at the Huduma Centre, the CS said such actions pose a serious threat to national security and must not be tolerated or excused by legal loopholes or political activism.

 “It’s unacceptable, in the name of freedom of expression, for people to carry sophisticated weapons and speak like they’re part of some rebel movement. We cannot allow parts of this country to operate like they are under a militia,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen further defended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for arresting and charging suspects involved in such conduct, warning that shielding them under the banner of civil liberties only emboldens criminal networks.

He called on the Judiciary to step up and decisively handle cases involving individuals suspected of engaging in organized crime and terrorism, stressing that national security is not the sole responsibility of the executive.

“The responsibility to protect this country lies with all arms of government—not just the Interior Ministry. The Judiciary must rise to the occasion and stop handling subversive elements with kid gloves,” he added.

Murkomen said the country risks descending into lawlessness masked as activism if institutions don’t perform their roles as required.

The CS added that ex-military personnel and individuals previously in disciplined forces will now be closely monitored to ensure they uphold the values they were trained to uphold using government resources.

 “Those trained using public resources must not turn into a threat to the same nation they swore to protect. We will keep a close eye on them and expect them to be on the front line in securing the country,” he said.

He emphasized that the government will not apply the law selectively. 

 “If you burn somebody’s supermarket in Nyeri or Meru, it doesn’t excuse you because of your political inclination. We will deal with you for who you are and what you did, not who you support,” he said.

Murkomen urged the judiciary to act firmly and uphold its role in safeguarding national security.