MP Nelson Koech calls for ‘shoot-to-kill’ order on violent protesters
Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) Nelson Koech has sparked controversy after calling for police to be given the authority to shoot and kill individuals involved in violent protests, particularly those who attack protected government institutions or endanger lives and property.
He calls for a tougher police response comes as national leaders grapple with mounting unrest and calls for economic and political reforms.
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Speaking at an event on Thursday, July 10, 2025, amid rising tensions and continued anti-government demonstrations in various parts of the country, Koech defended the use of lethal force against what he described as criminal elements hiding behind the guise of protest.
“You cannot have someone coming after your life, and you do not want to shoot and kill. You cannot have someone who is going to endanger you and your family. And you are telling me you cannot shoot and kill,” Koech said.
The Defence Committee chairperson maintained that the Constitution and the Police Act already empower law enforcement to use firearms when their lives are threatened. He insisted that the current wave of violence demands a firmer response.
“The police have the power to use their arms when they have evaluated the risk of their lives are in danger,” he noted.
“These people cannot be terrorising others. Anyone who has to go to a protected area like the State House is not an ordinary person. That is a criminal, that is an armed person that must be dealt with using equal force, and the only force that applies to such people is to shoot and kill.”
Abuse of power?
The MP dismissed concerns over the potential abuse of force, arguing that the State is only reacting to a credible threat. He likened the perpetrators of violence and destruction to terrorists.
“If you think that the government is sending goons and assassins to attack people’s property and investment, why do you have a problem when the government goes after the people?” Koech posed.
“I can tell you they are terrorists and they are going to be charged as either facilitating terrorism or being terrorists themselves.”
Koech said that law enforcement must uphold constitutional protections and use proportional force when responding to unrest.
