Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the recent attack on journalists during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru, calling the incident both “unfortunate” and “regrettable.” The CS emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the rights to freedom of speech and press, reassuring the public that it was never the intention to suppress these rights.
In a statement, Murkomen expressed his apology for the incident, stressing that it was not the government’s aim to harm or attack any journalist or citizen. He vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly, promising to take appropriate action against any security officials found to have used excessive force during the incident. “We are going to investigate and establish if the incident was accidental or intentional,” Murkomen said, urging that political competition should not interfere with educational activities.
The CS also addressed concerns about the involvement of politicians in the school event, questioning how a politician was allowed to write the play script for students. He pointed out that teachers are bound by the curriculum and urged school leadership to ensure that only qualified educators guide students in such matters. “Teachers will stick to the language that is acceptable and teach the children the right ways,” Murkomen affirmed.
Murkomen further stressed that anyone arrested in connection to the incident would be treated in accordance with the law. “The arrested individual should be subjected to the law and produced in court within 24 hours,” he added.
In his ongoing tour of Lamu County, Murkomen also praised the progress made in improving security, noting the significant strides made by the Multi-Agency Team despite challenges such as inadequate housing and mobility for officers. He also addressed ongoing issues like land disputes and the conduct of officers in these cases, promising that those implicated in misconduct would face disciplinary actions.
The CS’s tour, aimed at addressing security, land issues, and drug problems, continues with visits to local security facilities and engagements with leadership in Lamu.
