Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has come out strongly against Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent remarks perceived as a “shoot-to-kill” directive to police officers.
Speaking during a Sunday church service in his hometown of Bondo, the ODM party boss described the comments as reckless and unconstitutional.
“Anybody giving instructions to a police officer to shoot anyone who gets near a police station, it’s a big shame. Shame on you,” Raila stated, drawing applause from the congregation.
He warned that such language from state officials undermines public trust in law enforcement and could deepen an already fragile relationship between police and the public.
Raila emphasized that Kenya is a nation governed by the rule of law, not raw force. “We should not encourage taking away life in a way that is not constitutional,” he said.
“If someone has committed a crime, that person should be subjected to the law and taken to court. If the court finds him guilty, then he should be sentenced accordingly.”
Murkomen had made the controversial comments during a press briefing in the aftermath of the June 25 Gen Z-led protests, which saw massive demonstrations, the destruction of property, and the deaths of multiple civilians, many allegedly at the hands of police.
Amid mounting backlash, the Interior CS later defended himself, insisting his remarks were taken out of context and were grounded in legal provisions.
“My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law,” he said.
While condemning Murkomen’s remarks, Raila also criticized rogue protesters who turned the commemorative demonstrations into a wave of destruction.
“We condemn the criminals who went to the streets to destroy property and burn police stations. That is not a solution.”
Human rights organizations have decried the excessive force used during the protests, reporting numerous injuries and deaths.
