Three major human rights groups have taken Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to court over dangerous comments about protesters. The Katiba Institute, Kenya Human Rights Commission, and Independent Medico-Legal Unit filed the case at the High Court. They claim Murkomen told police officers to shoot anyone who comes near police stations during his June 26 press meeting. The groups say these words could lead to unlawful killings of peaceful demonstrators. Murkomen has denied making such orders and says he was just explaining existing laws.
The organizations argue that Murkomen overstepped his authority when he gave direct commands to police officers. They point out that the constitution gives command power over police to the Inspector-General alone. The petition states that Murkomen interfered with police independence and violated citizens' rights to life and peaceful assembly. The groups also claim he misused old police rules that courts had already thrown out for allowing excessive force. They reference a 2022 court case that said deadly force can only be used to save lives as a last resort.
The human rights groups want the court to force Murkomen to take back his statement publicly through newspapers, television, and press conferences. They demand he explain when police can legally use deadly weapons against citizens. The petition also asks for money damages for anyone hurt by police actions after Murkomen made his statement. The urgent case waits for directions from the High Court's constitutional division.
The organizations argue that Murkomen overstepped his authority when he gave direct commands to police officers. They point out that the constitution gives command power over police to the Inspector-General alone. The petition states that Murkomen interfered with police independence and violated citizens' rights to life and peaceful assembly. The groups also claim he misused old police rules that courts had already thrown out for allowing excessive force. They reference a 2022 court case that said deadly force can only be used to save lives as a last resort.
The human rights groups want the court to force Murkomen to take back his statement publicly through newspapers, television, and press conferences. They demand he explain when police can legally use deadly weapons against citizens. The petition also asks for money damages for anyone hurt by police actions after Murkomen made his statement. The urgent case waits for directions from the High Court's constitutional division.
