Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that the government will take firm action against rogue police officers, while at the same time urging the public to uphold respect for law enforcement agencies.
Speaking on Friday during the destruction of illicit firearms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, an event presided over by President William Ruto, Murkomen addressed the growing public outrage following the killing of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang, allegedly by a police officer.
“There has been great debate in the country following the incidents in the recent past of a few police officers who have erred in their work, brutalising the citizens,” said Murkomen. “Even if 50 or 100 officers are found culpable, that cannot be used to judge the entire force of over 120,000 officers.”
He reiterated that any officer who misuses a firearm or abuses their authority will be held personally accountable. “The citizens of this country must know that they have our maximum support in dealing with a few police officers who may misuse a firearm or authority to harm citizens,” he said.
However, the CS balanced his remarks by cautioning against public disorder. Referring to a recent incident in Nakuru where a protester confronted police while wielding a panga, Murkomen stressed that civil liberties must not be exercised through violence or destruction.
“Respect for police authority is critical. Without it, we descend into anarchy,” he warned. “Exercising freedom and rights does not include violence in the city, looting, or burning of vehicles.”
Murkomen condemned the looting and destruction of property witnessed during Thursday’s protests in Nairobi, which were held in response to Ojwang’s death. While reaffirming support for lawful demonstrations, he called for peaceful expressions of dissent.
The Interior CS concluded by promising unwavering backing for police officers who uphold the law. “We will support our police officers when they are enforcing law and order to protect peaceful citizens and their property. As we hold police accountable, we will also hold civilians accountable who misuse their freedom,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing national scrutiny of police conduct, as authorities face increasing pressure to deliver justice in cases involving alleged police brutality.
Written By Rodney Mbua
