Murkomen scoffs at ICC threats by the opposition

Interior and National administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday told off those who want to intimidate police officers in the guise that they have committed crimes against Kenyans in their line of duty.

He said he will not be scared by “anarchists who meted terror on innocent Kenyans and hide in the claim that action taken against the criminals amounted to International Criminal Court (ICC) charges.”

Wolfpacks endure demanding stretch as Oluoch cites growth amid setbacks Basketball

Kariobangi Sharks walking tightrope ahead of Nairobi United clash Football

“I will not be scared by ICC threats. Scare somebody else, not the people who know the law,” said the CS who vowed to defend officers in ensuring they uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.

In reference to a case filed in court by politician Reuben Kagame faulting the CS, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations director Mohammed Amin in the handling of the recent protests, the CS said he is confident they acted within the law.

“I am very confident and clear in my mind that the IG and his team worked diligently and within the confines of the constitution to defend this nation and given a chance, we will do the same to defend the country as the ministry responsible for security,” Murkomen said.

He stressed that security is not something to play with and will not give room for those who want to experiment.

“We don’t have time to do experimental ideas on who will be taken to court by who. We know the law…” he said.

Murkomen said he knows the Rome Statute, the Penal Code and other laws and therefore the DCI or other officers mentioned adversely for doing their job within the law to make the country safe will be defended.

He also took a swipe at those going after officers, yet they are not talking about those anarchists who burnt police stations, vehicles, administrative units and even suspects at a police station in Ol Kalau.

Addressing the press in Kajiado county, the CS vowed to protect the lives of Kenyans, their property and the nation from “anarchists out to cause chaos and destruction by subverting the constitution order.”

Murkomen also assured Kenyans and visitors of adequate security during the African Nations Championships (CHAN) set to start this weekend in Nairobi.

He said the government has put in place immigration arrangements to ensure seamless travel into the country and transit to neighbouring countries Uganda and Tanzania who are all co-hosts of the tournament.

Murkomen said the government was satisfied with the security mechanisms put in place to ensure CHAN is successful.

He listed a number of safety protocols put in place to ensure the safety and security of all as well as ease of movement.

They include modern CCTV cameras installed for round-the-clock security surveillance, special immigration desks at airports and border points, introduced online tickets, hotel surveillance, enhanced police patrol including the deployment of tourist officers to assist visitors and standby emergency services, complete with ambulances.

“We are this weekend going to host CHAN which will help us in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027. This is a historic moment for Kenya,” the CS said.

He lauded the work done within the timelines set in completing the two hosting facilities, Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani.

“I am happy we have successfully completed the facilities needed and Kanja and Interior PS Raymond Omollo inspected the facilities for the second and final time. We are satisfied they are ready for the event,” Murkomen said.

For ease of travel, entry and exit to watch matches within the three countries, the CS disclosed that the ministry had rolled out a special pass to fast-track clearance of travellers.

Also, the security has been intensified to ensure seamless movement of players in and out of the pitch.

“We have introduced online ticketing to avoid long queues that could arise from buying tickets at the gates. We, however, call upon Kenyans to arrive at the stadium early to avoid long queues and stampede from people trying to access the venue,” urged the CS.

He said the security agencies will ensure no unauthorised person accesses the venue armed.

He said travellers from the region are not required to have a visa save for a few nations.

“Those from Caribbean countries will be facilitated,” he added.