- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged leaders not to issue statements that could interfere with learning during the planned June 25 demonstrations.
- He said the right to protest should not override children’s constitutional right to education.
- Murkomen warned against attempts to target schools and disrupt livelihoods during the demonstrations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned politicians against issuing statements that could disrupt learning ahead of the planned June 25 demonstrations.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Lang’ata in Nairobi on Sunday, June 21, Murkomen singled out leaders who have publicly called for the closure of schools and businesses during the protests, describing such remarks as irresponsible.
He cautioned that when leaders encourage children to stay home during protest days, the message often finds its way into classrooms, fostering a culture of defiance and disregard for authority.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the right to protest does not override children’s right to education, noting that both rights are equally protected under the Constitution.
“So, when you are exercising Article 37 right to picket, to demonstrate and to do all this, it is not to say your right to protest and demonstrate is greater than the right of our children to go to school,” said Murkomen.
Warning to political leaders
Murkomen asserted that no politician, regardless of rank, has the authority to use protests to target learning institutions or disrupt livelihoods.
The remarks came in response to Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had defended the planned June 25 demonstrations, saying they are intended to honour victims and support grieving mothers rather than serve political interests.
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Also present at the AIC Lang’ata church service were Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hannah Cheptumo, National Security Advisor Joseph Boinett, High Court Judge Lady Justice Grace Nzioka and other senior government officials and leaders.
By Frank Mugwe
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