Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has doubled down on his controversial “shoot-to-kill” directive, insisting police officers have every right to defend themselves and protect the lives of others when confronted with danger.
Murkomen said his stance is neither new nor controversial, adding that he is merely repeating what past leaders have said.
Speaking Friday during the official opening of Tarasaa Sub‑County and the swearing-in of a Deputy County Commissioner in Oda, Garsen, Murkomen reflected on the remarks he made in Dagoretti and Kikuyu after the June 25 protests.
"Juzi nikiwa Dagoretti na Kikuyu nilisema polisi wako na haki kujilinda na kulinda maisha ya wengine. Na hii kitu nitarudia mara millioni moja kwa sababu mimi sio wa kwanza kusema hivyo," he said.
(The other day, while in Dagoretti and Kikuyu, I said that police have the right to defend themselves and protect the lives of others. And I will repeat this a million times because I am not the first person to say it)
He alleged that former Interior Cabinet Secretary and retired President are leaders who had previously issued similar directives in support of police action during volatile situations.
He said holding such a position touching on national security demands firm leadership and resolve.
“Ukiwa umeketi katika ofisi yenye kiti kama ninayo lazima ujue ya kwamba jukumu lako ni kulinda maisha ya wakenya na kuhakikisha usalama wa nchi. Waziri Matiang’i alisema namna hiyo, rais Uhuru alisema vile nimesema," he stated.
(If you sit in an office like the one I hold, you must understand that your duty is to protect the lives of Kenyans and ensure the security of the country. Matiang’i said the same thing, and Uhuru said exactly what I am saying now.)
Murkomen also warned against trivialising security threats as he dismissed criticism of his remarks as political theatrics.
He noted that the same individuals now criticising him were silent when previous leaders issued similar directives.
"Sasa wanataka kusema ati ikiwa ni Murkomen ni makosa...ni makosa nikisimama kusema lazima polisi walindwe na maisha yao ilindwe?" he questioned.
"Tuwacha madharau ndogo ndogo bwana. Lazima tusimame tukijua ya kwamba lazima tujunge our security ichungwe."
(Now they want to say that just because it’s Murkomen, it’s wrong… Is it wrong for me to stand and say that police must be protected and their lives safeguarded?” he questioned.
“Let’s stop this petty disrespect. We must stand firm and understand that our security must be defended)
His directive has drawn criticism from legal experts and rights groups.
The Law Society of Kenya condemned it as “ultra vires” and unconstitutional, arguing that only police, not ministers, hold the power to deploy firearms.
Murkomen later clarified his position, citing existing police regulations under the National Police Service Act that authorise firearms in life-threatening situations, not constituting a direct policy change.
President William Ruto has instead directed the police to shoot on site criminals who masquerade as protesters to burn and loot businesses and people’s property.
“We want peace in Kenya, people to do business. A person who is going to burn another person's business and property, such a person should be shot in the legs, taken to the hospital and then to court," he stated.
