Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified his "shoot-to-kill"  orders to police officers against Kenyans who attack a police station.

Murkomen, who spoke during a graduation ceremony in Kanyonyo, Kitui County, on Friday afternoon, claimed that his sentiments were taken out of context.

He clarified that police officers were well-trained and aware of their role, and that the law would not favour any officer who misuses their firearms.

Addressing the graduating police officers at the Border Police Training, Murkomen noted that the shoot-to-kill order was just a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the officers.

Kipchumba Murkomen before a meeting with the security committees from Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia, Samburu and Marsabit counties on Wednesday, April 30 2025.

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Kipchumba Murkomen

"We have not said that they (the guns) should be used recklessly. We are just trying to defend the police officers whose lives could be at risk," the Interior CS said.

"This is because some police officers currently fear using the guns because they do not want to go to jail, but what if they lose their lives to criminals?" he added.

His clarification comes following a public backlash, with the Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo slamming Murkomen over his controversial statement.

The LSK President, in a statement on Friday, June 27, termed Murkomen's statement as reckless, stating that it could fuel extrajudicial killings by the officers whose sole mandate is to ensure law and order.

While hitting out at the CS, Odhimabo questioned Murkomen's authority to issue such operational orders, terming the Interior Minister's statement illegal.

"Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime," the LSK boss warned.

She went on to add, "We sound our unequivocal warning to the National Police Service that they are legally prohibited from acting upon and complying with the ultra vires, illegal, and unconstitutional shoot-to-kill order.

Murkomen issued the shoot-to-kill directive during a visit to damaged police stations in Kiambu County on Thursday, a day after the deadly protests on Wednesday, June 25.

“When someone comes to the police station and wants to take over the government’s office, the police gun and your life, shoot him," Murkomen told police officers.

Armed police officers confronting protesters in the Nairobi CBD on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Kenyans.co.ke