- CS Murkomen defends police officers over viral Nakuru clip.
- A man was seen threatening officers with a panga during protests.
- Police praised for staying calm and using minimal force.
- Protests erupted after a civilian, Duncan Nderitu, was fatally shot.
- CS says supporting violence online promotes lawlessness.
A dramatic clip showing a protester chasing police officers with a panga in Nakuru’s London Estate has triggered mixed reactions across the country. The man, in full view of the crowd, boldly walked toward the officers while waving the weapon and shouting “endeni huko” (go away).
Despite being met with tear gas, he didn’t back down. At one point, he even bent to ‘sharpen’ the panga on the tarmac as officers watched cautiously.
Speaking on Friday, June 13, Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen weighed in, calling on citizens to respect law enforcement agencies. He warned that undermining police efforts can lead to anarchy.
“I request the citizens to respect the authority of the police because without it there is anarchy,” he said.
Murkomen also criticised sections of Kenyans on social media for seemingly glorifying the incident. He noted that while the protester was armed and threatening, some users online were cheering him on, instead of condemning the act.
“I saw one citizen in Nakuru, when the police were trying to bring calm, he was carrying a panga, attacking a police officer, and yet you will find some citizens cheering him,” he noted.
Police Applauded for Their Self-Control
Instead of retaliating violently, the officers in the video are seen backing away while trying to contain the situation with tear gas. Murkomen took a moment to appreciate their calm reaction in a tense situation.
“I want to thank the police officers who have restrained themselves in such situations,” he added.
The protester was among angry residents who took to the streets following the shooting of 35-year-old Duncan Nderitu. Reports say Nderitu lost his life during a police operation targeting a suspected drug peddler. The operation allegedly turned chaotic when residents clashed with officers.
In the heat of the moment, shots were fired in the air to scatter the crowd, but Nderitu was unfortunately hit and died at the scene, prompting widespread anger and demonstrations.
