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Jared Okello says Kenyans misquoted Murkomen on the shoot-to-kill order
31st July, 2025 07:23 AM
Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello has said that Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen was misquoted on the issue of shooting protesters who dare to attack police stations in Kenya.
Speaking to one of the local TV stations on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Okello said that the remarks made by Murkomen were a pronouncement and not a policy directive.
Okello dismissed claims by Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo that the controversial remarks were influenced by higher authorities. He defended Murkomen saying the Cabinet Secretary was simply making a public statement and did not speak on behalf of State House or the President.
“I think Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo is wrong by saying that what Murkomen said alluded that the shoot-to-kill orders came from above. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen only talked about the shoot-to-kill, which is propaganda and has been castigated from across the divide,” Okello said.
Pronouncement not policy
The Nyando legislator further argued that the CS’s remarks should not be treated as law or official government policy. He noted that many leaders often make roadside declarations that hold no legal backing and end up dying out without being implemented.
“Pronouncements are never policies. President William Ruto comes out with roadside declarations that just die at that level,” Okello noted.
He added that for any proposal to become law, it must follow the proper legislative procedure. Okello pointed out that Parliament plays a central role in scrutinising and approving any government directive that has legal implications. He said the Attorney General is often involved in drafting the legal framework through proper Cabinet memos.
Call for parliamentary scrutiny
Okello also reminded Kenyans that before any sensitive security policy is implemented, it must come before Parliament for review. He urged fellow lawmakers to remain vigilant and protect the Constitution from any abuse of power.
So far, there has been no official clarification from the Interior Ministry regarding the CS’s remarks.
