NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the security advisory issued to the Linda Mwananchi leaders to call off a rally in Homa Bay town on August 16, saying political leaders have a responsibility to heed warnings issued by security agencies when conditions pose a threat to lives.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking during a National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) event in Nairobi on Tuesday, Murkomen said the advisory was issued as darkness set in and security teams had assessed the situation as unsafe amid reported incidents of violence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we advise the people who organize rallies that we have duty… we have rights to have rallies and political rights. But we have a responsibility to work with the security team to ensure that we protect our people,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen’s remarks come amid continued debate over the violence that erupted during the Linda Mwananchi political tour in Homa Bay, where a police officer was killed, several people were injured and property was damaged.

📌 What You Need to Know

Murkomen said police had escorted Siaya Governor James Orengo and his team during the political tour, which had already held two rallies before the group proceeded towards Homa Bay Town.

He said county and regional security teams advised the organisers at about 6pm to call off the final rally because darkness was setting in and there were already incidents of violence.

“You can see the pictures were there, police were escorting Orengo and the team. They went to the rally, they did two rallies. When they were going to Homa Bay town, at about 6pm, the county security team and the regional security team advised them that it is good to call off the rally because it’s dark,” he said.

According to Murkomen, the Orengo-led team rejected the advice and insisted on proceeding to Homa Bay town.

“They said they must go to town. We must exercise our democracy,” he said.

The violence that followed left one police officer dead and several people injured, while vehicles and other property were damaged.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya