Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the invasion of Parliament during the protests against the 2024 Finance Bill in Kenya last year.
Addressing the matter, Murkomen condemned the violence that accompanied the protests.
“It is very regrettable that some people lost their lives as a result of the protests,” Murkomen said.
While acknowledging that the demonstrations began as peaceful, Murkomen drew a sharp line between protest and unlawful action.
Murkomen on Gen Z Parliament Invasion
“I can tell you that no young person who were protesting believes that they were going to invade Parliament,” he said.
“And says it’s their right to invade Parliament, that is a protected area. By the time you step in, you are breaking the law.”
Murkomen emphasized that the invasion could not be justified under any circumstances and differentiated between demonstrators and those who stormed the parliamentary chambers.
“Let’s agree that the people who invaded Parliament were not peaceful protestors,” he said. “It can never be justified to invade Parliament.”
“Must go” public criticism
He further addressed recent public criticism, noting that many people have become fixated on the slogan “Murkomen must go.”
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He questioned the basis of such sentiments, stating, “People say that minister is incompetent, on what ground?”
Murkomen also clarified his role within the government, emphasizing that he operates under the guidance and direction of President William Ruto.
“I work under the direction of President Ruto,” he said, underscoring his accountability to the head of state.
Parliament Invasion
The invasion of Parliament by young protesters on June 25 over the controversial Finance Bill 2024 that was later withdrawn has been contentious.
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The protesters overpowered the anti-riot police officers, breached security protocols, and set part of the building on fire.
In April, the BBC’s analysed more than 5,000 images which showed that those killed there were unarmed and not posing a threat.
The BBC World Service team analysed videos and photos taken by protesters and journalists on the day.
The members of Kenya’s security forces who shot dead anti-tax protesters at the country’s parliament last June have since been identified by the BBC.
On the other hand, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had questioned why no single Gen Z protester was jailed during the anti-finance demonstrations in June and July last year.
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