Religious Leaders Condemn Murkomen’s Remarks, Criminal Acts During Protests

Islamic religious leaders in Mombasa County have strongly condemned recent remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who suggested that police should shoot individuals suspected of criminal activity during protests. The leaders, under the umbrella of the Pwani Patriotic Religious Leaders, expressed deep concern over the statement, warning that such directives risk escalating violence and undermining human rights.

Image: Sheikh Abu Qatada (center) during a media engagement in Mombasa.

Led by Sheikh Abu Qatada, the clerics urged security agencies to exercise restraint and avoid excessive use of force when dealing with protesters, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human life. Their comments follow Wednesday’s nationwide protests that turned violent in several parts of the country.

In Mombasa and other towns, what began as peaceful demonstrations spiraled into chaos, resulting in extensive damage to property, looting of businesses, and loss of lives. Protesters set ablaze a police station in Nairobi’s Mathare area and other central part kf kenya, stormed a magistrate’s court in Kikuyu, and vandalized government buildings. In Nakuru, dozens of shops were looted and vehicles torched, leaving scores of traders counting heavy losses.

"While we support the constitutional right to protest, we categorically reject the use of violence and destruction of property. These acts not only harm innocent citizens but also cripple the economy," said Sheikh Abu Qatada.

The leaders expressed solidarity with families who lost loved ones during the confrontations between police and demonstrators. Human rights groups have reported at least 16 deaths and over 400 injuries linked to police clashes in various counties.

Criticizing the political class, the Muslim leaders accused certain politicians of taking advantage of the demonstrations to advance their own agendas, using vulnerable youths to incite violence and create instability.

"It is irresponsible and dangerous for any leader to exploit public grievances for selfish political gains. Such actions only deepen divisions and threaten the nation’s peace," said the clerics in a joint statement.

They urged the government to investigate claims that political figures may have sponsored criminal gangs to infiltrate peaceful protests and to take swift legal action against those found culpable.

As Kenya grapples with rising political tensions and economic hardship, the religious leaders called for dialogue, accountability, and the protection of civil liberties to steer the country back to peace and stability.

"We call upon all Kenyans to uphold peace and reject violence. The right to protest should never be used as a license for lawlessness," they concluded.