NAIROBI, Kenya June 26 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has described Wednesday’s nationwide protests as a “well-planned and unconstitutional attempt at regime change,” adding that the government has gathered clear evidence pointing to the organisers and financiers.Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Murkomen said what unfolded was not a protest, but an attempted coup targeting key state installations including State House and Parliament.“That was not a peaceful protest. That was an attempted coup,” he said. “You all saw what happened. They were clearly targeting the symbols of power—but they did not succeed.”He said the plotters mobilised people from Nyeri, Murang’a, Thika and other regions, transporting them to Nairobi to fuel unrest. “These are the same individuals seen looting and robbing citizens on their way home,” he added.Toll of ViolenceAt least 16 people were killed during the protests, according to Amnesty International, while more than 400 were injured. Among the fatalities was a security guard stationed at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza headquarters. Fred Wamale Wanyonyi was shot at the Kolobot Road entrance and later pronounced dead at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.Murkomen said over 300 police officers were among the injured, with some sustaining life-altering injuries. Nine police stations were attacked—five of them torched—including Dagoretti, Molo and Ol Kalou. Eighty-eight police vehicles and over 90 government and private vehicles were destroyed. Five firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Post while four others were burned at Gachui Police Post.Planned Violence and Political TargetingHe said the demonstrations were organised with the goal of instilling fear and destabilising the country. Protesters chanting slogans like “Take over power” and “Occupy State House” tried to overrun security barricades.Businesses, homes, and institutions associated with government allies—including those belonging to MPs Kimani Ichung’wah, Kimani Kuria, Eric Wamumbi, and Mwangi Kiunjuri—were also attacked.“This was a deliberate, coordinated, funded and politically instigated operation. It was terrorism disguised as dissent,” Murkomen said.Several supermarkets, electronics shops, government buildings, and even a Catholic Church property in Embu were looted and torched. Critical infrastructure, including roads and water lines, was vandalised.Response and Next StepsThe Interior CS praised security officers for exercising restraint and successfully repelling attempts to storm State House, Parliament, and other installations. He said investigations are ongoing and that those responsible—regardless of political or financial status—will face arrest and prosecution.“We will pursue justice relentlessly on behalf of all affected Kenyans,” Murkomen said.He called for urgent legislation to regulate public demonstrations, proposing legal frameworks that will require protest organisers to submit clear plans including purpose, routes, and timelines for police coordination.While condemning the violence, Murkomen said the government remains open to dialogue with youth, civil society, faith leaders and other stakeholders to address deeper systemic issues.“Kenya’s strength lies in our unity. To peaceful citizens, the government stands with you. And to those who seek chaos, our resolve to defend this nation is unshakable.”The protests marked one year since the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations against the Finance Bill, which left over 60 people dead. The movement has since evolved into a broader campaign for accountability, justice and inclusive governance.