Murkomen Defends June 25 Security Operation, Says 355 Suspects Arrested

The government has defended the security measures deployed during the June 25 Gen Z commemoration, describing the day’s operations as successful and largely peaceful despite arrests and heightened police presence in several parts of the country. 

In an evening security assessment, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said most parts of the country remained calm, with businesses, schools and other public activities continuing normally throughout the day. 

Murkomen commended members of the public for maintaining peace and lauded security agencies for what he termed their professionalism in managing the situation. 

“The June 25 commemoration was largely peaceful across most parts of the country, with businesses, schools, and other public activities proceeding normally in many areas,” the CS said. 

The Interior Ministry also defended the roadblocks and vehicle screening points mounted on major routes leading into Nairobi, saying the measures were informed by intelligence reports. 

According to Murkomen, security agencies had received information indicating the possible movement of individuals suspected of planning criminal activities during the commemorations. 

“Roadblocks and vehicle screening points established on major routes into Nairobi were informed by intelligence indicating the possible movement of individuals suspected of planning criminal activities,” he said. 

The government disclosed that more than 355 suspects were arrested across the country over alleged offences committed during the day’s events. 

The arrests were linked to claims of robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads and other criminal acts reported in various locations, with Nairobi recording the highest number of arrests. 

The statement comes amid criticism from civil society groups and human rights organizations, which accused police of violating constitutional rights through roadblocks, arrests and the disruption of peaceful protests held in memory of victims of the June 2025 demonstrations. 

However, the government maintained that its priority was safeguarding public safety while allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights within the law. 

“The government urges Kenyans to continue exercising their constitutional rights peacefully while respecting the law and protecting lives and property,” Murkomen said. 

As normal activities resumed in the evening, the Interior Ministry advised members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly in areas that experienced demonstrations or heightened security operations during the day. 

Motorists and pedestrians were urged to follow instructions from security officers, exercise caution around remaining police deployments and rely on verified sources of information for updates. 

The government said the overall security situation had stabilized in most parts of the country.