Murkomen Clarifies ‘Shoot to Kill’ Remarks Amid Public Outrage
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a clarification following widespread backlash over his controversial “shoot on sight” comments made during a press briefing on the Gen Z-led protests.
Speaking on Thursday, June 26, Murkomen had directed police officers to open fire on anyone attempting to storm police stations, sparking alarm among human rights defenders and legal experts. “Na tumeambia polisi mtu yeyote atakaribia police station piga yeye risasi,” Murkomen stated at the time.
The remarks, perceived by many as a green light for extrajudicial executions, prompted immediate condemnation from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and other civil society actors, who warned that such directives could embolden rogue officers.
However, in a statement released Saturday, Murkomen sought to quell the uproar, asserting that his remarks had been taken out of context and were grounded in the law. He cited the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act, which permits officers to use firearms in defense of life, property, or in self-defense.
“My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law,” said Murkomen. “At my age, position, and experience, I cannot utter statements that are not supported by the Constitution and the law.”
Murkomen dismissed claims that he had issued a direct command to the police, clarifying that he does not possess constitutional authority to instruct the Inspector General or the National Police Service on operational matters.
“Those who are saying I issued an order to the police should show where the order is. A mere restatement of the law as it exists cannot amount to giving an order to the police,” he said.
He emphasized that his role as Cabinet Secretary is to provide policy direction and support the enforcement of law and order, not to issue tactical commands.
The CS also defended the police’s right to protect themselves and public infrastructure, citing recent cases of police stations being torched, firearms stolen, and suspects killed by mobs during the protests.
“Our police officers cannot be left helpless when they have been given the authority by the Constitution and the law to defend themselves, the citizens, and their property,” Murkomen asserted.
Despite the explanation, public concern remains high, especially given Kenya’s history with police brutality and a growing youth-led protest movement demanding government accountability. The LSK and other watchdog groups continue to call for restraint and adherence to due process by security agencies.
The clarification comes at a critical time, as tensions persist nationwide following days of unrest, which Murkomen previously described as an attempted coup. Observers warn that statements by senior officials carry significant weight and must be measured to avoid escalating an already volatile situation.
As the dust settles, Kenyans remain watchful, demanding justice, reforms, and clarity in leadership amid one of the most turbulent political moments in recent history.
In other news:Ruto Names Lt Gen Ketter as Army Commander in Defence Shake-Up
Murkomen Clarifies ‘Shoot to Kill’ Remarks Amid Public Outrage