Nairobi, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is facing sharp criticism from legal and civil rights groups over his recent directive urging police officers to “shoot on sight” individuals who attempt to attack police stations.
The remarks, made during a public address in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, have sparked outrage, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) terming the statement “reckless” and warning it could fuel extrajudicial killings.
“Na tumeambia polisi mtu yeyote atakaribia police station, piga yeye risasi,” Murkomen declared during the heated address, as residents jeered in response.
Murkomen defended the need for decisive action, rhetorically questioning whether criminals targeting police armouries should be treated with leniency.
“Mtu mwenye anaenda kuiba bunduki, abembelezwe?”
“Shika yeye!” the crowd replied.
“Bunduki sio mandazi!” Murkomen retorted.
LSK: Order is Illegal and Unconstitutional
In a strongly worded statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the remarks, asserting that Murkomen has no legal authority to issue operational orders to the police.
“The Cabinet Secretary has no authority under the law to issue such an order,” Odhiambo said.
The LSK cautioned police officers against misinterpreting the remarks as a green light for excessive use of force.
“Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime,” the LSK warned.
The lawyers’ body concluded by reminding the National Police Service that they are constitutionally prohibited from complying with unlawful instructions, labelling Murkomen’s remarks as ultra vires, illegal, and unconstitutional.
Murkomen Attempts Clarification
Amid mounting public backlash, Murkomen later attempted to clarify his remarks while attending a graduation ceremony at the Border Police Training Campus in Kanyonyo, Kitui County.
“Hatujasema itumiwe kiholela. Ile tunajaribu kuetetea ni polisi mwenye maisha yake iko hatarini na anaambiwa ukitumia utashtakiwa,” he explained, emphasizing that security agencies are trained to adhere to lawful use of force.
The National Police Service Act, under its sixth schedule, provides clear guidelines on the use of firearms, stating they should only be deployed when all other means are inadequate to protect life or prevent grave harm.
The controversy comes at a time when concerns over police accountability and extrajudicial killings remain high in the country, especially following the recent Gen Z-led protests, which left several people dead and hundreds injured.
By Were Kelly | Published: June 28, 2025
