Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen with some traders whose business were looted during the countrywide Gen Z protests in downtown Nairobi, on 25 June, 2025. Photo/Ministry of Interior
By Newsflash Reporter
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is facing growing public backlash over remarks he made Thursday, 26 June, directing police officers to shoot anyone who approaches a police station with suspected ill intent.
The comments, delivered during visits to Dagoretti and Kikuyu police stations in Nairobi and Kiambu constituencies, have sparked widespread outrage, with many Kenyans accusing the government of embracing authoritarian tactics.
Murkomen made the statement in response to the burning and vandalism of several police stations during the countrywide Gen Z protests on Wednesday, 25 June.
The protests, which began over opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, quickly morphed into a broader uprising against state institutions, with demonstrators targeting police infrastructure.
During his address to officers, Murkomen did not mince his words. “Kubembelezana na wakora lazima iishe. Tumeambia polisi, mtu yeyote atakaribia police station, ‘piga yeye risasi.’ Mtu mwenye anareport wakora ako sawa. Mnafikiria bunduki ni mandazi?”
Translated: We must stop sympathizing with thugs. We have ordered the police: If anyone comes near a police station, gun him down. We don’t have any problem with those reporting criminals. Do people think a gun is some snack?)
He went further, justifying the use of lethal force in the face of attacks on police stations. “Hii bunduki hamkupewa ikuwe decoration. Mtu akijaribu police station anataka kukupiga, jiokoe kwanza, hiyo story ingine tutafanya baadaye na mimi nitakuwa mbele kukutetea. You have to protect yourself and the country and we will defend you.”
Translated: You were not given guns as a decoration. When someone storms a police station aiming to beat you, save yourself first. We shall talk about other issues later, and I will be on the frontline to defend you. You have to protect yourself and the country and we will defend you.
Public criticism
The remarks quickly went viral and provoked sharp criticism from the public and civil society actors who viewed the comments as an endorsement of extrajudicial killings.
“This is an indication that Murkomen, who is a lawyer, has put aside the rule of law. He is now using the rule of the jungle to run the Police Service,” said Mary Khaemba, a resident of Nairobi. “We expected him to urge police to observe restraint and follow due process, not give a blanket shoot-to-kill order.”
Read more: Murkomen: Protesters targeted anti-Gachagua MPs in Mt Kenya
Her sentiments were echoed by Kioko Makali, who termed Murkomen’s statement as dangerous and dehumanizing. “This is very unfortunate. It seems the government no longer regards the sanctity of human life. Even criminals have rights, and police are supposed to arrest, not execute,” he told Newsflash.
Many Kenyans who spoke to Newsflash said they were alarmed by what they called a shift toward a police state. They argued that the government’s response to civil unrest should focus on dialogue, justice, and reform—not fear and brute force.
“This is the same government that told us it respects constitutional freedoms, including the right to protest,” said Lydia Mwangi, a student from Thika. “But now it’s turning guns on its own people. We are not criminals—we are demanding accountability.”
Pressure to withdraw renarks
Human rights organizations are now calling on Murkomen to withdraw his directive and clarify the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Legal experts also weighed in, warning that the remarks could incite unlawful police conduct and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
“Statements like these set a dangerous precedent,” said constitutional lawyer Denis Otieno. “Police officers are not executioners. Their mandate is to enforce the law while respecting rights and using force only as a last resort. What Murkomen is proposing is unconstitutional.”
Read more: Insecurity: Murkomen to meet Coastal security team and residents
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) are under increasing pressure to investigate the remarks and issue guidance to law enforcement agencies on the use of force.
As the dust from the Gen Z protests begins to settle, Murkomen’s comments may have added fuel to a growing fire of public anger and mistrust toward government institutions
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