Murkomen denies issuing shoot-to-kill order, says remarks were within the law
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 28, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied claims that he issued a shoot-to-kill order to police officers during recent remarks made in the aftermath of the deadly protests on June 25.
Taking to his X account on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Murkomen said his comments were misinterpreted. He insisted that his statements were grounded in the law and intended to protect both police officers and civilians.
“I have seen debates, reactions, and expressions regarding my recent statement on the use of firearms by police officers,” he said. “My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law.”
He added that no legal expert had challenged him on the constitutionality of his statement.
“At my age, position, and experience, I cannot utter statements that are not supported by the Constitution and the law,” he said.
Murkomen pointed to the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act, which allows officers to use firearms under specific conditions, such as self-defence, protecting lives, preventing escape of suspects, and protecting property.
“Our police officers who are attacked by robbers, rioters, and arsonists, who have torched police stations, stolen rifles, burnt suspects alive, and destroyed property worth millions, cannot be left helpless,” he said. “The law is in black and white.”
Murkomen’s statement
He clarified that his role does not include giving direct orders to the police.
“Those who are saying I issued an order to the police should show where the order is. A mere restatement of the law as it exists cannot amount to giving an order.”
The backlash follows a statement he made in Kiambu County.
“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 CS was quoted saying.
This sparked public outrage, with Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo calling his remarks “reckless” and warning that they could lead to extrajudicial killings. She questioned his legal authority to give operational orders.
“Any unjustified act of aggression or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime.”
Murkomen has maintained that his intention was only to reassure police officers of their rights under the law, not to encourage lawless conduct.