Goons raided Dagoretti Police post in Kiambu during the June 25 protest and stole at least five firearms.
The firearms included two AK 47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one Jericho pistol and one anti-riot gun.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said what unfolded in parts of the country was terrorism disguised as dissent.
He also promised action on the planners and executors.
“There was no peaceful demonstration, it was riots, chaos and anarchy,” he said.
“This was not just violence. It was an orchestrated campaign of terror, an assault on our people, our Constitution, our institutions, our values, and the very soul of this Republic.”
He added what was billed as a peaceful protest was, in truth, a calculated disguise, a coordinated descent into chaos masked as civic expression.
Beneath the banner of democratic rights, we witnessed a well-orchestrated campaign of political violence.
“What happened was not spontaneous. It was not random. It was deliberate.
It was coordinate, it was funded, it was premeditated and politically instigated.
The mobilized protestors along Kiambu and Thika roads were chanting “it is time to take over power” and “occupy State House”.”
He said police are carrying out investigations to apprehend and bring to justice the organisers and financiers of this well-orchestrated campaign of violence.
“Rest assured that the government will pursue justice relentlessly on behalf of all affected Kenyans. No person will be spared regardless of their political or financial status.”
He condemned what he termed as criminal anarchists who in the name of peaceful demonstrations unleashed a wave of violence, looting, sexual assault, and destruction upon our people.
He said more than ten Kenyans were killed. “Investigations on the numbers and the circumstances are still underway. Over 400 people were injured, close to 300 being police officers, some left with injuries they will carry for the rest of their lives. Key government installations and offices were targeted.”
“At least nine police stations were attacked, five of which were torched including Dagoretti, Molo and Ol Kalau. 88 Police vehicles were destroyed. A total of 27 National and County Government vehicles were destroyed and 65 civilian vehicles parked in various police stations including a school bus were also burnt,” he said.
He said the criminals were aiming at the officers on duty and that they were after guns in the armouries and police uniforms.
“Five firearms were stolen in Dagoretti Police Post, Kiambu County, while four were burnt at Gachui Police Post, by the very criminals who hid behind the pretence of a peaceful protest.”
According to Murkomen, government offices including courts, National Government and County Offices were looted and burnt. Businesses worth billions of shillings, were massively looted.
The incidents happened during the protests that were called to mark a year since the June 25 protests.
Murkomen made the remarks at his office after inspecting parts of the city that were heavily affected by looting. He was accompanied by top police officers.
He said the criminals targeted kiosks, supermarkets, electronic shops, hotels and restaurants, among others.
“Just like Government infrastructure, business and residential premises were burnt, including one owned by the Catholic Church in Embu County.”
He added critical infrastructure such as roads, railway, electricity and water were vandalized.
“Also of great concern to us is that the organizers targeted homes and businesses of elected leaders who support government, including the homes and businesses of National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani
Ichung’wah, Molo MP, Kimani Kuria, Mathira MP, Eric Wamumbi, Kieni MP, Njoroge Wainaina, MP Mbeere South, Eng. Bernard Muriuki and Laikipia East MP, Mwangi Kiunjuri, among others.”
Murkomen said the massive looting had a clear motive to cause fear and target properties of politicians and civilians allied to the Government and that the orchestrators of the violence went back to the safety of their homes leaving Kenyans at the mercy of goons and criminals.
“Is this the scenario which a section of church leaders and foreign diplomats wanted uncontrolled? Is this the precursor to the Christmas party that we were promised?” he asked.
He added there was however, a notable exception to the orchestrated chaos as the protesters in Mombasa, followed a defined route and specified timelines accompanied by law enforcement officers.
Murkomen said security agencies exercised remarkable restraint amid extreme provocation.
He said it is now urgent for the nation to put in place a legal framework that operationalises Article 37 of the Constitution to ensure that demonstrations are carried out in an orderly manner.
This entails providing sufficient information on the planners, purpose, day, time and route, among other details to enable the police to provide adequate security and to ensure that demonstrations are not happening in areas that will inconvenience Kenyans who do not want to take part, traders and other business people.
“We welcome dialogue with all stakeholders including the youth, grassroot voices, traders and business leaders, civil society, and religious groups to address systemic issues that affect Kenya.”
“Kenya’s strength lies in our unity. To those who seek chaos, our resolve to protect our motherland is unbreakable. To peaceful citizens, the Government stands with you.
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