CS Murkomen meets Kenyans, police in surprise CBD walk during Gen Z protests
The CS paused to engage with commuters, boda boda riders, and mkokoteni operators. His impromptu walkabout came after a closed-door meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other top officers at the Office of the President earlier in the day.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen walked through the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Wednesday morning, engaging directly with members of the public and police officers as commemorative protests marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z uprising kicked off.
Murkomen, flanked by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and other senior police commanders, began his walk from the Office of the President on Harambee Avenue.
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The security leadership moved through major CBD routes, including City Hall Way and University Way, stopping occasionally to speak with residents going about their morning activities.
The CS paused to engage with commuters, boda boda riders, and mkokoteni operators. His impromptu walkabout came after a closed-door meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other top officers at the Office of the President earlier in the day.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen interact with police officers at Parliament buildings. (X/Kipchumba Murkomen)
The government’s visible security coordination comes as Kenyans mark one year since the Gen Z-led demonstrations that culminated in the storming of Parliament—a moment that shifted national consciousness and sparked a wave of youth-led civic activism.
Some protesters have returned to the streets to honour lives lost during last year’s unrest.
The mood in the city was tense as protestors streamed in large numbers to honour their fallen comrades.
Most of the Kenyans are carrying the Kenyan flags, whistles and water.
Most shops remained closed across key business arteries such as Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Wabera Street, and Ronald Ngala Street. Only a handful of traders dared open their premises as police kept watch over nearly empty streets.
While organisers had called for peaceful demonstrations, the government has maintained a tough stance on lawbreakers. Authorities warned that anyone found inciting violence or engaging in looting would face legal consequences.
Masengeli, who accompanied the CS, said, “We are on the ground to ensure there is order and to protect those who are peacefully expressing themselves.”
The day’s early events showed a heavy security presence, but little to no crowd activity was witnessed in the morning hours.
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