Murkomen issues policy directive to IG Kanja on use of force and firearms
By Arnold Ngure, July 18, 2025Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has handed over a policy document on the recommendation of the use of appropriate force and firearms during the discharge of their duties to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
The directives, which he says are to ensure there is an efficient and consistent approach adopted across National Police Service regarding the use of force, also recognise the general powers of police officers under Section 49 of the National Police Service Act as to the use of discretion in policing, considering any relevant policing codes, guidance, policies, and procedures.
Murkomen also says the policy directive shall apply in addition to the Constitutional, legislative, and attendant rules and regulations, according to the policy released on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Heightened caution
The policy urges police officers to exercise heightened caution when interacting with children, persons with disabilities, elderly people, and gender when choosing the level of force to be used.
The policy directive equally states that police officers may only use force to the extent required for the performance of their duties.
It equally notes that the force should never be used as a form of extrajudicial punishment.
Use of force in custody
A police officer may use force only to the extent required for the performance of their duty, force must never be used as a form of extrajudicial punishment, no additional force is lawful when a suspect is safely and lawfully detained and the use of force shall be no more than the minimum reasonably necessary in the circumstances,” the policy reads in part.
In addressing the proportionality, necessity, and precautions to observe when applying force, the policy directs that law enforcement officials shall not use force or firearms against persons except in self-defence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury.
“The officers, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and/or firearms. Any use of force must be lawful, proportionate, and reasonable in the circumstances to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective,” the policy reads in part.
It also demands restraint from law enforcement officers, noting that confrontation should be avoided as much as possible.
However, when restraint does not work, officers are required to exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved; minimize damage and injury, respect and preserve human life, and ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected persons at the earliest possible moment.