In the wake of nationwide anti-government protests rocked the country and that led to the police killing of 19 people and injuring hundreds of others, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) wants President William Ruto to re-assign Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen “lighter duties”.

The appeal follows reports by human rights organisations and other civil society groups that show a sharp rise in police brutality, extra-judicial killings and state-enforced disappearances that point to increased use of state-sanctioned violence to suppress divergent opinion.

The clerics call follows controversial remarks by Murkomen during a recent visit to Kikuyu Police Station on Thursday afternoon that gives police unbridled powers to shoot-to-kill protesters.

CIPK National Chair Sheikh Abdalla Ateka said the remarks in which Murkomen was quoted as telling police officers to shoot anyone approaching a police station during demonstrations, were inappropriate and unbecoming of a senior government official.

“We do not support such utterances. These are not the comments expected of a leader, let alone a lawyer,” Sheikh Ateka observed. “This docket requires calm, level-headed individuals. If he cannot be dismissed, we urge that he be moved to another ministry so that a more sober person takes over,” he said.

Echoing the sentiments, CIPK Uasin Gishu Chair Sheikh Abubakar Bini stated that the interior ministry, has proved to be too demanding for Murkomen.

“Everyone in Kenya knows this ministry has overwhelmed him. He is out of his depth and should be given a lighter role,” he remarked.

The religious leaders also urged the government to initiate structured dialogue with the youth through a neutral platform mediated by religious leaders.

They argued that peaceful engagement is essential to address the grievances that have led to repeated demonstrations, including those against the 2024 Finance Bill, and the 2025 one against police brutality.

“Demonstrations have so far resulted in loss of life and property,” Sheikh Ateka explained. “We are proposing that religious leaders, due to their neutrality and influence, be part of any mediation process. Whenever politicians are involved, the core message tends to get lost through unnecessary political manoeuvrings,” he added.

In light of the planned Saba demonstrations, the clerics appealed to protest organisers to conduct peaceful demonstrations, urging restraint by both demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

“Let the protests remain peaceful, and we urge the police not to shoot at citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights,” Sheikh Ateka demanded.

CIPK also issued a stern warning to political actors attempting to take advantage the Gen Z-led protests for personal political gain.

“We caution politicians against hijacking these demonstrations to pursue their ambitions,” said Sheikh Ateka. “Let us protect our country from descending into chaos like we’ve seen in the Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitati Reagan