CS Kipchumba Murkomen, IG Douglas Kanja and DIG Gilbert Masengeli during the inspection of CBD before June 25 protests. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen X.
Former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana has expressed his disappointment over Minister of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s remarks on shoot-to kill order to the police to anyone approaching the police station.
Expressing his disappointment, Kibwana told Murkomen that he will be held accountable of any extra-judicial killings in the country going forward.
He regretted how the CS failed to take in what he lectured him at the University of Nairobi as a law student.
“Do you know, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, that due to your shoot-live to murder command, you will now, and in the future, be held accountable for every extrajudicial execution carried out by police officers? How was I ever your teacher at UoN Law School? I’m deeply disappointed,” Kibwana wrote.
While issuing his address to the Nation after protests, Murkomen said that the police are givens toys not to carry as teddy bears, and should use it to protect themselves first.
“If someone tries to come to the police station to take guns or to attack you, they want to take your life save yourself first. That other story about ‘what did you do’ we’ll deal with later, and I will be at the forefront to defend you. The police were not given guns for decoration,” Murkomen directed.
The controversial statement has sparked debate in the country, receiving criticism from various leaders, here are some of their reactions:
“Murkomen, as a friend for many years, this is utterly wrong as a minister. Nobody has the authority to order the killing of a countryman. Arrest and let us blame the judiciary,” Caleb Amisi saidd.
“I have not seen any single picture or video of police officers preventing the looting of shops or even shooting a looter. However, I have seen many pictures and videos of police officers beating up and shooting unarmed peaceful protestors. Let Kipchumba Murkomen not fool around,” Nelson Havi on X.
“We remind Mr. Murkomen that as a State Officer who is a member of the bar, he is not only bound by his mandatory Constitutional duties under Chapter 6 of the Constitution, but by his oath of office as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya which behooves him to abandon all else in favour of fidelity to the law and Constitution. We reiterate that we will remain persistent in calling out atrocities against human rights, regardless of whatever circumstances alleged by perpetrators of illegalities to ratify their actions,” LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
However, Murkomen has since claimed that his remarks were misinterpreted by Kenyans, as he only meant when an officer’s life is in danger.
