Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that the government has not set aside any funds to compensate victims whose properties were either looted or damaged during the protests on Wednesday, June 25.
In a press conference, he elaborated that Parliament needs to pass legislation that outlines compensation for these victims and also enforce stricter penalties on those who organize protests.
He emphasized the importance of regulating protests to ensure that organizers are held accountable for any property damage or looting that occurs.
“Regrettably, Parliament has not designated a budget for compensating individuals whose properties were looted in such events, and as a government, we currently have no funds allocated for this purpose,” he remarked.
“If we were to create a budget that compensates individuals every time properties are looted, then the most effective law would be to hold protest organizers primarily responsible.”
“This is why we advocate for legislation that specifies where organizers can hold their demonstrations, at what times, and in which locations. Mombasa serves as a model for how public protests should be conducted.”
However, he mentioned that the leaders would personally contribute to assist those who have suffered significant losses.
Additionally, the CS alleged that ‘goons’ created chaos until midnight, robbing civilians who were returning home.
“The destruction continued until midnight. Goons were brought in from Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga, and were left in the city; others were on Thika Road, causing havoc on their way home. The police were overwhelmed,” he observed.
“It is challenging when such a large group of goons, criminals, thugs, and robbers congregates in one area, gathered by politicians.”
According to Murkomen, property worth billions was damaged during the protests, noting that the goons specifically targeted supermarkets, electronic stores, and restaurants.
