Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has come to the defence of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following a backlash after the latter's directive to the police.
Murkomen found himself on the receiving end after asking the police to shoot any civilian trying to raid a police station.
Speaking in Kikuyu after protesters torched a part of the sub-county headquarters, Murkomen asserted that such were acts of anarchy, adding that the perpetrators ought to be met with brutal force for causing damage to security installations and posing danger to the police officers.
The sentiments sparked uproar, with a huge section of Kenyans concluding that Murkomen sanctioned a "shoot to kill" order to the police.
However, Ahmednasir said the CS was misunderstood by the public.
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According to the senior counsel, Murkomen urged the police to defend themselves when their life is in danger, dismissing the belief that the CS's sentiments pointed to a "shoot to kill" order.
"CS Murkomen didn't give a "shoot to kill" order. He told the policemen they can use their guns to defend their lives when attacked and to protect government property. That is what he said!" stated Ahmednassir.
Murkomen had earlier on defended himself after the backlash, clarifying that he did not ask the police to be reckless in their conduct.
Speaking in Kitui County on Friday, June 27, the CS explained that the police were required to follow the law when using their firearms.
According to him, 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.
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