Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified his controversial statements regarding the use of firearms by state law enforcers, emphasizing that his counsel to police was a restatement of existing law rather than a directive for extrajudicial killings. Initially, Murkomen’s remarks, made a day after chaos erupted during June 25th protests, were interpreted by the public as a blatant “shoot to kill” order. He had urged police officers to use their firearms to protect themselves and prevent raids on police stations, citing instances where stations were torched, vehicles burned, and officers injured by protesters.

Addressing the uproar his sentiments caused, Murkomen asserted that he did not order the Inspector General of Police or any officer to carry out extrajudicial killings. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, in the presence of President William Ruto, Murkomen stated, “I cannot order an Inspector General of Police on anything because the Constitution denies me to do so. And I did not order an Inspector General or any police officer to carry out any extrajudicial anywhere.” He stressed that his comments were derived from the National Police Service Act, specifically Section 612 and Schedule 6B1, which outline the permissible use of firearms by officers. According to Murkomen, the law dictates that a police officer, when faced with a life-threatening situation, must be able to use their firearm, and that force is justified strictly when less extreme measures are insufficient, particularly to prevent serious injury, protect life, or prevent significant property damage.

Murkomen also used the opportunity to passionately defend police officers on the frontline, lamenting what he perceived as silence from religious leaders, foreign envoys, and opposition figures when police are harmed. He highlighted that over 300 police officers were injured during the June 25th protests. “When a police officer is attacked or a police station is burned, no church leader will speak, and no foreign envoy will speak. The so-called opposition won’t speak,” he posed, questioning who would speak up for police if he, as the Cabinet Secretary in charge of security and a lawyer, remained silent.

The Interior CS warned that sustained assaults on law enforcement and public institutions, such as the torched Kikuyu Law Courts which resulted in the destruction of public records, could lead to nationwide insecurity and plunge the country into lawlessness. He called on the Judiciary to reflect on its decisions in light of these events, suggesting a need for a broader conversation about national interest. Furthermore, Murkomen addressed media conduct, urging journalists to self-regulate to prevent the spread of misinformation or incitement. He cautioned that unchecked spread could necessitate extreme measures, stating, “If we have to switch off the media to save both the media and the citizens, we will do so because we want to stop our country from burning. We want to save them from irresponsible journalism. However, if the media regulates itself, we will not bother.” He concluded by reiterating the call for respect for police officers, acknowledging the extreme conditions they face, including counter-terrorism missions along volatile borders.