Murkomen urges IPOA to exercise caution in public statements

According to Murkomen, police officers should not be judged prematurely without a thorough investigation.

by FELIX KIPKEMOI

News26 July 2025 - 17:41

In Summary

Murkomen said IPOA’s core function is investigative, not judicial, and that rushing to pass judgment on police conduct undermines its credibility and risks compromising due process.
The CS stated that he had given clear policy direction to the Inspector General, affirming the right of police officers to defend themselves and others using force where necessary.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to exercise greater caution when issuing public statements, particularly regarding the conduct of police officers during recent unrest.

Murkomen said IPOA’s core function is investigative, not judicial, and that rushing to pass judgment on police conduct undermines its credibility and risks compromising due process.

“Police officers acting in the line of duty must be afforded legal protection. While we will not shield those who commit crimes, we also won’t abandon officers who are defending Kenyans and safeguarding public property,” he said.

The CS stated that he had given clear policy direction to the Inspector General, affirming the right of police officers to defend themselves and others using force where necessary.

According to Murkomen, police officers should not be judged prematurely without a thorough investigation.

He said they have a constitutional right to protect the lives and property of Kenyans.

He criticised IPOA for what he termed as selective outrage, blaming the body for allegedly overlooking the actions of violent demonstrators.

“Those who burn police stations, steal firearms, and destroy public infrastructure are not peaceful protesters," he said.

"You cannot claim police used disproportionate force without acknowledging the extent of the violence, such as petrol bombs used to burn Kikuyu and Ol Kalou police stations."

Addressing the press in Baringo, Murkomen also questioned IPOA’s silence on serious incidents, including the burning of suspects inside a police station, saying such omissions paint a one-sided picture.

He called for an “honest national conversation” around policing, protests, and accountability.

"Let us stop sugarcoating the truth. Not every person involved in recent events was innocent, and we must be truthful about that,"he said.

Murkomen is in the Rift Valley as part of his ongoing county tours dubbed Jukwaa la Usalama.

The meetings bring together security officers, stakeholders and residents.