Murkomen Defends Police as June 25 Arrests Reach 355
Police arrested 355 people across eight counties during the June 25, 2026 Gen Z memorial protests. Specifically, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced the figures at a post-demonstration press briefing.
Furthermore, he defended the arrests, stating that those taken into custody committed criminal offences rather than exercising their constitutional right to picket.
The Full County Breakdown
Nairobi recorded the most arrests with 161. Specifically, Kajiado followed with 123, Kiambu recorded 36, and Murang’a recorded 12.
Furthermore, Bungoma recorded nine, Meru six, Laikipia five and Machakos three. Notably, North Eastern, Coast and Nyanza regions recorded zero arrests throughout the day.
The Charges They Face
The state targeted specific criminal behaviours. Specifically, those arrested face charges of robbery and attempted theft, vandalism of property, and road obstruction.
Furthermore, authorities plan to arraign all 355 individuals in court to answer these charges formally.
How Murkomen Framed the Day
The CS presented the day as a security success. Specifically, he commended law enforcement for their meticulous planning and professionalism. Furthermore, he noted that business activities continued normally across most towns — a sharp contrast to previous mass demonstrations.
Additionally, the government accused unnamed political actors of funding criminal gangs to infiltrate and hijack the youth-led memorial.
The Question Kenya Is Asking
The arrests have sharply divided public opinion. Specifically, critics are demanding clarity on how many of the 355 people arrested were genuine criminals and how many were peaceful protesters caught in a broad security sweep.
