Raila Odinga Rebukes CS Murkomen for Issuing Shoot-to-Kill Orders to Police: "Shame on You"
- Raila Odinga delivered a powerful message on police conduct and constitutional rights during his address in Siaya
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, on his part, responded to growing backlash over his controversial police remarks amid rising public outrage
- A recent human rights report uncovered alarming figures from the Gen Z-led June 25 protests, prompting calls for accountability
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Siaya - ODM leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticised the use of lethal force by police during the recent Gen Z-led protests.
Source: Facebook
He called for accountability from state agencies and condemned any attempts to justify unlawful killings.
Why was Raila Odinga angry at Murkomen?
Speaking on Sunday, June 29, at ACK St. Peter’s Parish in Bondo, the former prime minister expressed deep concern over the bloodshed witnessed in recent weeks, where several young protesters were shot dead by police officers.
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“We’ve seen a lot of bloodshed recently. Some children who went out to demonstrate lost their lives—shot by the police,” he said.
“Police should never, under any circumstances, shoot to kill. They have no license to take human life. If someone has committed a crime, arrest them and present them before a court of law,” he asserted.
Raila also took issue with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's statements, which appeared to suggest that police officers were justified in using lethal force to defend public infrastructure.
Although Murkomen has since denied issuing a 'shoot-to-kill' directive, Raila dismissed such interpretations as dangerous and unconstitutional.
“So, anybody giving directives to a police officer that if anybody comes close to a police station, shoot them—it's a shame. Shame on you. We should not promote the taking away of life in a way that is not constitutional," Raila stated.
Despite the criticism, the ODM leader emphasised the need to maintain order, noting that while mourning the victims of police violence, criminal acts such as destruction of property during the protests must also be condemned.
“We sympathise with those who have lost their loved ones, but at the same time, we condemn the criminals who knowingly went to vandalise people’s properties,” he added.
Did Murkomen clarify his statement?
CS Murkomen, in a separate statement, distanced himself from the allegations, insisting that his remarks had been misinterpreted.
“I say this with all humility: I have no authority to order the Inspector General of Police, as the Constitution does not permit it,” he said. “All I did was explain the law. As a lawyer, I have read, studied, and understood these laws. You will not find any instance where I said someone should be shot and killed.”
The remarks come in the wake of a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which revealed that at least 19 people died during the protests.
Additionally, the violence injured 531 people, and 15 individuals remain unaccounted for, believed forcibly disappeared.
Is there a plan to impeach Murkomen?
A section of MPs has threatened to bring an impeachment motion against the Interior CS over the controversial remarks he made last week.
Led by Mukurwe-in MP John Kaguchia and his Manyatta counterpart Gitonga Mukunji, the lawmakers accused Murkomen of overseeing police brutality, extra-judicial killings and human rights violations.
They asked their colleagues in Parliament to support the motion once it is tabled to protect Kenyans from police excesses.
Gathunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba said she was ready to support the motion to remove Murkomen from office, arguing the embattled CS had proven to be reckless and incompetent.
Police officer confused as residents flee station
In other news, panic gripped Ndunyu Njeru Police Station in Nyandarua after civilians fled upon the arrival of the station commander.
Source: TikTok
A circulating video shows the officer visibly confused as he tries to calm the crowd and urge them back.
The fear stemmed from recent remarks suggesting that anyone near police stations should be shot.
In response, the officer reassured locals that police are there to protect, not harm, and that the directive does not apply to innocent citizens.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on plans to impeach Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
