Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sought to clarify remarks that sparked outrage over what was widely perceived as a “shoot-to-kill” directive issued to police officers.
Speaking during a visit to Kitui, Murkomen insisted that police operate strictly within the confines of the law when using firearms. He cited the National Police Service Act of 2011, which outlines the legal circumstances under which officers may discharge their weapons—specifically when their lives are in danger, when protecting civilians, or when preventing the escape of armed suspects.
“All police officers understand how to use a firearm. It is clearly provided for in the law. No officer is untrained on this,” Murkomen stated.
He condemned what he described as public sympathy for criminals, especially in situations where armed individuals threaten the safety of officers and the public. Referring to a recent case where firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Station, he warned that such weapons in the hands of civilians pose a serious threat to communities and businesses.
Murkomen emphasized that officers are trained to use force only when necessary and within legal limits.
“This is not a license for recklessness,” he said. “Our police officers are law-abiding citizens who act professionally.”
He further urged Kenyans to foster better relationships with law enforcement.
“These officers are our brothers and sisters. As we exercise our rights, let us also maintain a good relationship with them,” he said.
The backlash stemmed from remarks he made last Thursday during a tour of police stations in Kiambu County, where protest-related violence had occurred. While addressing officers, he reportedly said:
“When someone comes to the police station and wants to take over the government’s office, the police gun, and your life — shoot him.”
The comment drew sharp criticism from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), whose president, Faith Odhiambo, questioned Murkomen’s authority to issue such operational directives. She warned that such pronouncements, if acted upon, could lead to criminal consequences.
“Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime,” Odhiambo said.
Murkomen has maintained that his remarks were taken out of context and that his intent was to affirm the legal framework within which police officers operate.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sought to clarify remarks that sparked outrage over what was widely perceived as a “shoot-to-kill” directive issued to police officers.
Speaking during a visit to Kitui, Murkomen insisted that police operate strictly within the confines of the law when using firearms. He cited the National Police Service Act of 2011, which outlines the legal circumstances under which officers may discharge their weapons—specifically when their lives are in danger, when protecting civilians, or when preventing the escape of armed suspects.
“All police officers understand how to use a firearm. It is clearly provided for in the law. No officer is untrained on this,” Murkomen stated.
He condemned what he described as public sympathy for criminals, especially in situations where armed individuals threaten the safety of officers and the public. Referring to a recent case where firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Station, he warned that such weapons in the hands of civilians pose a serious threat to communities and businesses.
Murkomen emphasized that officers are trained to use force only when necessary and within legal limits.
“This is not a license for recklessness,” he said. “Our police officers are law-abiding citizens who act professionally.”
He further urged Kenyans to foster better relationships with law enforcement.
“These officers are our brothers and sisters. As we exercise our rights, let us also maintain a good relationship with them,” he said.
The backlash stemmed from remarks he made last Thursday during a tour of police stations in Kiambu County, where protest-related violence had occurred. While addressing officers, he reportedly said:
“When someone comes to the police station and wants to take over the government’s office, the police gun, and your life — shoot him.”
The comment drew sharp criticism from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), whose president, Faith Odhiambo, questioned Murkomen’s authority to issue such operational directives. She warned that such pronouncements, if acted upon, could lead to criminal consequences.
“Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime,” Odhiambo said.
Murkomen has maintained that his remarks were taken out of context and that his intent was to affirm the legal framework within which police officers operate.
