Murkomen clarifies shooting directive after public uproar

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sought to clarify recent concerns surrounding the perceived issuance of a "shoot-to-kill" directive.

According to the CS, police officers operate strictly within the law when using firearms.

Speaking in Kitui, Murkomen stated that the National Police Service Act of 2011 clearly outlines the circumstances under which an officer may discharge a firearm. 

These, he said, include situations where an officer’s life is in danger, where another civilian's life is threatened, or when a felon escapes custody.

"All police officers understand how to use a firearm," he said. 

"It is clearly provided for in the law. No officer is untrained on this."

He decried what he termed as public sympathy for criminals, particularly in cases where armed individuals pose a danger to the public and law enforcement. 

He cited an incident involving the theft of firearms from Dagoretti police station, cautioning that such weapons in civilian hands pose a grave threat to families and businesses.

He maintained that officers are trained to apply force only when necessary and within the boundaries of the law.

“This is not a license for recklessness,” he asserted. 

"Our police officers are law-abiding citizens who act professionally.”

Murkomen also urged the public to build stronger ties with security agencies. 

He stated: "These officers are our brothers and sisters. As we exercise our rights, let us also maintain a good relationship with them."

The CS the directive last Thursday during a visit to police stations in Kiambu County where protester set ablaze.

“When someone comes to the police station and wants to take over the government’s office, the police gun and your life, shoot him," he told police officers.

He has, however, faced backslash from some quarters including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

The society's president Faith Odhiambo questioned Murkomen's authority to issue such operational orders, terming the Interior Minister's statement illegal.

"Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime," she said.