Murkomen to issue directive on use of force and firearms by police

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that he will issue a new policy directive this Friday, July 18, 2025, concerning the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officers.

This is in response to growing public concern over recent incidents involving excessive police action during nationwide protests.

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Addressing the press on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Murkomen said the move is aimed at ensuring that police operations remain aligned with the Constitution and the rule of law.

The directive will be issued according to Article 245(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, which empowers the Cabinet Secretary responsible for police matters to provide policy direction.

“Cognisant of the raging debate and national concerns on the use of force by security personnel, I will this Friday, pursuant to Article 245 (4) of the Constitution, be issuing a policy directive to the Inspector General of Police on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officers,” Murkomen said.

His statement follows reports of injuries and fatalities during the violent demonstrations that swept through several counties on June 25 and July 7, 2025.

According to the CS, out of nearly 600 people injured during the chaos, 496 were police officers, while 42 civilians lost their lives.

“In this chaos, 42 Kenyans regrettably lost their lives, and close to 600 were injured. Out of these injuries, 496 were law enforcement officers. This is unacceptable. One life lost is one too many. We mourn every life lost and extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the affected families. To those who suffered injury, loss, and trauma on those two fateful days of sheer terror, we say poleni sana,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen also assured the public that while law enforcement has the responsibility to maintain order, any misuse of force will not be tolerated.

He added that officers found culpable will face the law.

“Any police officer accused of unlawful use of force will face the law. As I speak, one police officer has already been arraigned and is facing murder charges,” he said.

“What was witnessed on the 25th of June and 7th of July was a stark testament to the extent to which the sponsors of this anarchy are ready to go to subvert the Constitution. This was not a protest. It was pure, premeditated criminality: deliberate, dangerous, and deeply disturbing.”