Murkomen Clarifies Remarks on Shoot to Kill Order After Uproar

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified that the police will not use their guns recklessly following his'shoot to kill' remarks.

Speaking in Kitui County on Friday, June 27, he stated that the police were required to follow the law when using their firearms.

He explained that the order was only meant to apply in instances when the police are under attack and have to defend themselves.

The CS added that there are guidelines detailing instances when police can use excessive force.

"We have not said that they should use it recklessly. We are just trying to protect the officers whose lives are in danger, and they are being told that they should not use the guns because they will be charged.

"If that officer dies, how will the officer be charged?" Murkomen posed.

The clarification by the CS came after Kenyans, leaders, and civil societies criticized him over his remarks.

The CS had stated that police need to shoot and kill those who approach police stations during protests.

This was after some stations were vandalised and attacked by unknown individuals during the Wednesday protests.

"We have told the police to shoot anyone who comes near a police station," Murkomen stated on Thursday.

As a result, many wondered how the police would tell whether those going to the police stations were goons or protesters seeking refuge.

Other Kenyans also wondered whether the CS had the power to issue such an order, yet the police service was an independent body and under the command of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

“We note that the Cabinet Secretary has no authority under the law to issue such an order," the Law Society of Kenya stated.

“Any officer found to be engaging in such criminal conduct will be prosecuted in their individual capacity, and the blame to the extent of which command responsibility can be discerned will fall at the feet of the Inspector General."