Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come under heavy criticism for what many see as openly encouraging extrajudicial killings.
His now infamous “shoot-to-kill” order, issued after Gen Z protests on June 25, 2025, has triggered public outrage, legal warnings, and a flood of condemnation from religious, political, and human rights circles.
Murkomen instructed police to shoot anyone approaching police stations, following cases of vandalism and gun theft during the protests.
But instead of addressing insecurity with strategy and calm, he responded with reckless instructions that now appear to threaten the very foundation of Kenya’s justice system.
His statement, interpreted by many as a green light for police to use lethal force without due process, was called “a chilling endorsement of extrajudicial killings” by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali.
The Law Society of Kenya also reacted strongly, terming the order unconstitutional and warning police officers that they would bear personal responsibility if they followed it.
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who once taught Murkomen law, expressed disappointment and warned him of looming legal consequences.
Even Murkomen’s later attempts to clarify his statement failed to clean up the mess. He claimed that his words were misinterpreted and that force should only be used lawfully. But by then, the damage had been done.
The remarks had already stirred fear and confusion, especially with reports of at least 16 people killed during the protests.
Kipchumba Murkomen during the past interview at JKL. Photo courtesy/Citizen Digital.
It is alarming that Murkomen also called the protests an “attempted coup” and blamed courts for releasing suspects, painting an image of a government that sees all dissent as a threat rather than a sign of public frustration.
Religious leaders, civil society groups, and international observers have all voiced concern. The United Nations raised the alarm over the number of gunshot wounds among victims. Human rights defenders warned that Murkomen was not only undermining the constitution but also empowering a culture of impunity.
Kenya’s past is full of dark chapters involving state violence, and such utterances bring back fears of returning to that painful history.
Murkomen may claim his words were taken out of context, but the evidence suggests otherwise. From suggesting media shutdowns to praising police amid protester deaths, his actions signal a clear disregard for rights and freedoms.
At a time when young people are dying in the streets demanding accountability, the Interior CS cannot afford to fuel more violence. Kenya deserves leadership that protects life, not one that casually threatens it.
