Unemployment not an excuse for crime – Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reiterated that while unemployment is a contributing factor to crime, it does not justify criminal behaviour.

The CS, who is on a tour of Jukwa la Usalama — Lower Eastern Region, argues that even in the face of financial hardship, individuals have a choice. He states that many people experience unemployment but still opt for lawful and ethical paths to earn a living.

“Unemployment should not be used as an excuse for causing violence. Many people are unemployed, yet they work very hard every day to improve their livelihoods. They don’t say that because they don’t have jobs, they can steal or kill someone,” he said.

He also reiterated that financial struggles do not justify harming others or breaking the law. Murkomen insists that excusing crime due to unemployment sets a dangerous precedent and risks normalizing illegal behaviour.

“We must not normalize insecurity by using unemployment as an excuse. While we recognize that part of the solution is to engage more people in employment, we should not accept this excuse,” he said.

According to the CS, there are many Kenyans who are employed yet still engage in criminal acts, predominantly online.

“It’s not about idleness. Most of the people insulting others on social media are employed in either the public or private sector. It’s not good to make excuses. If something is wrong, it’s wrong,” he explained.

Murkomen stated that the government is implementing measures to ensure law and order prevail across the country, promising to put an end to heinous acts perpetrated by known criminal gangs.

“Mambo ya criminal gangs inapatia strain askari wetu lakini tutapambana nao. Our security forces are on alert, and there should never be any cause for alarm. Juzi, panga boys walitusumbua, but police operations were conducted in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, and we have been able to manage it,” he said.