Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen refuses to back down from his controversial police directive during a Friday event in Garsen. The minister defended officers' rights to protect themselves and civilians when facing dangerous situations. Murkomen declared he would repeat his stance a million times because previous leaders had issued similar orders. He specifically mentioned former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as examples of officials who supported aggressive police action. The cabinet secretary emphasized that his position requires firm leadership on national security matters.
Murkomen dismissed critics as engaging in petty political games while accusing them of selective outrage. The minister questioned why his statements drew condemnation when identical directives from past administrations received silence. He stressed that protecting police officers and ensuring their safety remains a fundamental responsibility. Murkomen warned against treating security threats lightly and called for unified support of law enforcement agencies. The cabinet secretary argued that his office demands unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kenyan lives and maintaining national stability.
Legal experts and rights organizations have slammed Murkomen's directive as unconstitutional and beyond his authority. The Law Society of Kenya labeled his statements as ultra vires since only police commanders can authorize firearm deployment. Murkomen later referenced existing National Police Service Act regulations that permit weapons use during life-threatening encounters. President William Ruto separately ordered officers to shoot criminals masquerading as protesters who destroy property. The president specified that such individuals should receive leg wounds before hospital treatment and court proceedings.
Murkomen dismissed critics as engaging in petty political games while accusing them of selective outrage. The minister questioned why his statements drew condemnation when identical directives from past administrations received silence. He stressed that protecting police officers and ensuring their safety remains a fundamental responsibility. Murkomen warned against treating security threats lightly and called for unified support of law enforcement agencies. The cabinet secretary argued that his office demands unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kenyan lives and maintaining national stability.
Legal experts and rights organizations have slammed Murkomen's directive as unconstitutional and beyond his authority. The Law Society of Kenya labeled his statements as ultra vires since only police commanders can authorize firearm deployment. Murkomen later referenced existing National Police Service Act regulations that permit weapons use during life-threatening encounters. President William Ruto separately ordered officers to shoot criminals masquerading as protesters who destroy property. The president specified that such individuals should receive leg wounds before hospital treatment and court proceedings.
