Video: Police Officers Captured Threatening Protestors, Claim They’ve Gov’t Permission to Kill
- A viral video captured a Kenyan police officer openly threatening to kill protesters during the Saba Saba demos
- The officer, rifle in hand, warned demonstrators they'd “sleep in the fridge,” claiming he had the green light to shoot
- Interior CS Murkomen had days earlier backed lethal force, telling police to shoot first if they felt threatened
- Public trust in police has hit a new low as fears grow that deadly force has now been unofficially sanctioned from 'above'
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Public trust in the National Police Service has hit a disturbing low following recent controversies surrounding the service.
Source: Getty Images
The emergence of a chilling video showing police officers issuing death threats to unarmed demonstrators will not help their cause in winning back public confidence.
The footage, captured during the Saba Saba commemorative protests on Monday, July 7, shows an anti-riot officer brazenly declaring that he had government permission to kill protesters.
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The incident unfolded amid heightened tensions as hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets to mark the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba Day, a historic moment in Kenya’s democratic journey.
Ironically, what began as a peaceful commemoration of the second liberation turned into a scene of fear and intimidation, as captured in the now-viral video.
The National Police Service, which was constitutionally restructured in 2010 to become more service-oriented and accountable, appears to be slipping back into old habits.
Hows did police officer threaten protesters?
In the recording, an officer is seen aiming his rifle toward a group of demonstrators and warning them with chilling clarity.
"I’m telling you, if you want to sleep in the fridge, I have permission to kill you," the officer says, referring to morgue body preservation.
He further painted a grim picture of what has been common of parents calling for justice for their kin allegedly killed by police in protests.
"You will make your people start crying badly, targeting the government; I'm telling you I will kill you. I have permission do not to play with me..I'm telling you you will sleep in the fridge don't blame me...I will sleep in the shelter," the officer announced as they advanced at the protesters.
The video has added to a growing list of concerns about the use of excessive force by the police in managing protests.
Did Kenya police officers get the green light to shoot?
This comes days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed police to use lethal force against anyone approaching or threatening the police.
He made these remarks on Thursday, June 26, one day after nationwide protests on June 25, which commemorated deadly 2024 demonstrations and saw several stations attacked.
Source: Facebook
Murkomen framed his directive as a legal obligation to protect officers and state property, citing cases where courts released suspects who then returned to taunt law enforcement.
He asserted that police weapons are not ornamental and urged officers to shoot first and justify later.
Murkomen emphasised that the order comes from a higher authority and promised full government support, including legal defence for any officer who fires in such circumstances.
How did NPS attract criticism in Juja?
Elsewhere, a disturbing video emerged from Juja, Kiambu, showing police officers dragging a motionless protester, reportedly dead or critically injured, along the road toward a police station.
Two officers pulled his limbs, with a third joining later. Witnesses say the man was unresponsive.
Moments later, another protester was beaten before being taken away.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
