Ruto backs Murkomen’s shoot-on-sight order to police

By Newsflash Writer

President William Ruto has publicly endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s shoot-on-sight directive to police officers, deepening a controversial debate over state response to recent Gen Z-led protests and attacks on law enforcement installations.

Speaking on Saturday, June 28, during a high-level meeting at State House Nairobi with regional and county security officials, including National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), Ruto threw his weight behind Murkomen’s earlier remarks, asserting that police officers must defend themselves when under threat.

“We cannot have a country where criminals run after our police officers. If a policeman’s life is in danger, then, how can our families be safe?” said the President.
“This trend must change. The criminals that attacked our officers and destroyed property in the Wednesday mayhem will be held to account.
We will stand by every man and woman in uniform, and protect them, as they discharge their duties.
That is how we will have a more secure and stable Kenya where meaningful development occurs,” he said.

The President’s backing comes just two days after Murkomen sparked national uproar following his remarks on June 26, during a visit to Kikuyu and Dagoretti police stations—both of which were attacked and partially burned during the June 25 protests that swept across the country.

“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?” Murkomen said then.

Gov’t faces backlash

Murkomen’s hardline position triggered immediate criticism from human rights defenders, legal experts, and concerned citizens who accused the state of embracing brutality over dialogue and lawful restraint.

Among the fiercest critics was the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which condemned Murkomen’s statement as a dangerous step backward.

“We have noted with great revulsion the public statements made by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen, regarding his views on police conduct during the demonstrations, and what has been indicated as the Government’s policy position on police excesses and extrajudicial killings,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo in an official statement.

The society warned that any police officer who acts upon such a directive would be held individually accountable and could face criminal prosecution.

President William Ruto with national, regional and county security chiefs at Sate House on Saturday, 28 June, 2025. Photo/PCS

“The sanctity of the right to life is only subject to the necessary, exceptional and clearly defined limitations contemplated in law,” the statement read, emphasizing that police use of firearms must follow legal procedures and be subjected to reporting and review.

Murkomen clarifies position

In response to the mounting backlash, Murkomen sought to clarify his earlier comments while addressing residents in Kitui on Friday.

He insisted that the National Police Service is guided by the law and not by arbitrary or unlawful commands.

“All police officers understand how to use a firearm,” he said.
“It is clearly provided for in the law. No officer is untrained on this.”

Murkomen referred to the National Police Service Act of 2011, which outlines specific conditions under which an officer may discharge a weapon—such as when their life or the life of another civilian is in danger, or during the escape of a felon from lawful custody.

“This is not a license for recklessness,” Murkomen added.
“Our police officers are law-abiding citizens who act professionally.”

A section of security chiefs at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, 28 June, 2025. Photo/PCS

The CS further called on the public to resist sympathizing with criminals and instead build cooperative relationships with law enforcement agencies.

“These officers are our brothers and sisters. As we exercise our rights, let us also maintain a good relationship with them,” he urged.

Growing divide

Despite the CS’s clarification and the President’s endorsement, tension remains high across the country.

Rights activists argue that the state’s aggressive posture threatens to deepen public mistrust of law enforcement, especially among young protesters whose demonstrations have focused on demands for accountability, social justice, and reforms.

As the fallout continues, the spotlight now turns to how the National Police Service will interpret and act upon these statements, amid fears of increased repression and unlawful use of force during future protests.