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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has firmly spoken out against the rising culture of hostility toward police officers, following a widely circulated video from Nakuru that showed a man wielding a panga and aggressively confronting law enforcement officers during a protest. Addressing the issue on Friday, June 13, the CS expressed concern over what he termed as "misguided public sympathy" toward individuals inciting violence against security forces.
Murkomen’s statement comes in the wake of increased tensions between civilians and police in various regions, most notably Nakuru, where a protest erupted after a police-related fatality. The Cabinet Secretary criticized what he saw as the glorification of violence, particularly online, warning that the government will not tolerate behavior that emboldens confrontation against officers performing their duties.
The incident in question, which took place in Nakuru’s London Estate, involved a young man seen aggressively swinging a machete (panga) at a line of police officers attempting to control the crowd. The footage showed the man sharpening the blade on the asphalt and defiantly advancing toward the officers while shouting threats. In response, police attempted to neutralize the threat using tear gas, but the man remained undeterred, further agitating the protestors.
Despite the clear and immediate threat posed to them, the officers refrained from using lethal force. Their restraint drew commendation from CS Murkomen, who stated that their composure “prevented what could have been a bloodbath.”
The protest that escalated into confrontation stemmed from public outrage over the death of 35-year-old Duncan Nderitu, who was reportedly shot by a police officer. Nderitu’s death occurred during an altercation between police and residents, following an attempted arrest of a suspected drug dealer. Eyewitnesses claim the police fired into the air to disperse a hostile crowd, which led to further chaos and ultimately, the fatality.
Residents flooded the streets in response, demanding justice and accountability, but the demonstration quickly turned volatile, culminating in the now-viral scene with the panga-wielding man.
CS Murkomen acknowledged the delicate balance required in managing civil unrest and protecting lives. While he reiterated the government’s commitment to police reform and professionalism, he also stressed that civilians who take the law into their own hands will be prosecuted.
Referencing a recent violent clash in Narok where a police officer lost a hand, Murkomen pointed out the grave consequences of such confrontations. “We cannot allow a situation where rogue behavior is encouraged or applauded. Everyone must be held accountable,” he warned.
The government’s response indicates an effort to maintain public order while also trying to rebuild a frayed relationship between police and citizens. With increasing protests tied to police misconduct, officials face the dual challenge of defending law enforcement’s authority while curbing excesses and brutality.
In the aftermath of the Nakuru protest, investigations into Nderitu’s death are ongoing, with human rights organizations and community leaders calling for transparency. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has affirmed that anyone, regardless of position or affiliation, who instigates violence or obstructs justice will face legal consequences.
The Nakuru incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile balance between civic expression and public safety—a balance the Kenyan government insists it is determined to preserve.
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