Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a formal policy directive to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, outlining the conditions under which police officers may use force and firearms.
In a letter dated July 18, 2025, Murkomen stressed the importance of transparency and consistency in the use of force by the National Police Service (NPS).
“These provisions are informed by the Constitution of Kenya, Sections 49 and 61 of the National Police Service Act, the Service Standing Orders, the Code of Conduct, and international instruments and standards on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials,” the letter read in part.
According to the policy, officers may use force only to the extent necessary to fulfil their duties. It adds that firearms must be used strictly in accordance with legal provisions.
“A police officer may use force or firearms only in accordance with the rules governing the use of force and firearms under the law,” the directive reads in part.
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The policy also instructs officers to minimise harm and protect life during operations.
It emphasises providing prompt medical assistance to those injured during enforcement activities.
“Ensure assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected persons at the earliest possible moment,” it states.
"A police officer is not entitled to discharge a firearm against a person unless the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is committing or about to commit an action likely to endanger the life or cause serious injury to the officer or any other person, and there is no other way to prevent the danger."
Special caution is urged when dealing with children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and gender-based vulnerable groups.
On mental health and wellness, the policy requires that officers deployed to enforce law and order undergo proper screening to assess their moral, psychological, and physical fitness.
It further directs that all officers be equipped with adequate crowd control tools and personal protective gear suited to the level of operational risk.
The directive comes amid rising public outcry over police brutality during recent protests across Kenya.
Human rights organisations, political leaders, citizens, and members of the diaspora have expressed concern over the use of excessive force.
Recent demonstrations have resulted in several reported deaths, including notable cases such as blogger Albert Ojwang’ and street mask vendor Boniface Kariuki.
