UDA Senator Rebukes Leaders Supporting Shoot-to-Kill Order: "Miti ya Jeneza Zetu Inakomaa"
- On June 26, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen authorised police officers to use lethal force against those who attempted to destroy police stations
- Kirinyaga senator Kamau Murango has, however, expressed his disappointment with political leaders who are in support of the order
- Murango's comments sparked reactions from Kenyans, with many coming out to laud him for supporting the common mwananchi
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango has called out leaders who are in support of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's shoot-to-kill order.
Source: Facebook
On June 26, just a day after nationwide protests rocked major towns in the country, Murkomen authorised the police to use lethal force on anyone threatening to vandalise police stations.
The CS made reference to protesters storming police stations and government buildings during the June 25 demonstrations.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Did Senator Murango warn against supporting shoot-to-kill orders?
Speaking at the Senate on Tuesday, July 16, Murango expressed his disappointment with leaders who are calling for protesting Kenyans to be shot dead.
He further warned that since they support the shoot-to-kill order, they should know that the trees set to make their coffins are somewhere in the country, growing.
"It is very wrong for a leader to stand in public and call for the killing of citizens. They might think that those killed are not directly linked to them," Murango said.
The senator, who is a member of President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stated that he has never heard of a child of a politician killed in protests, but rather those of common citizens.
"The poor are the ones losing their children. I would like to urge leaders to be quiet and not speak any more hurtful words. This will allow those mourning to bury their loved ones in peace," he added.
He further urged political leaders to watch their comments in public as he called on the government to ensure that the goons who infiltrated protests are brought to book.
Murango also made an appeal to Ruto's administration to ensure that the families of those killed during demos are compensated.
How did Kenyans react to Murango's comments?
Kenyans took to their social media platforms to laud the senator for his comments, which were in support of the common mwananchi.
Sammy_opondz:
"Shukran, Senator. Continue doing the good work of defending the lives of citizens who are being killed by those who are supposed to protect them."
Theorybound:
"This one has spoken well."
Jose_gesimba:
"The Swahili is notably good! And the points given are equally deep!!"
Daudimfalme2:
"Be warned."
C.vocke:
"Finally, at least someone with some sense in the senate debate apart from Sifuna and Omtata."
Onyi Claude:
"That's right... soon."
Francoz:
"Some are too arrogant to internalise this wisdom."
Jay Kitesh:
"The only certainty is death."
Murkomen defends himself over shoot-to-kill order
In response to public outcry, Murkomen came out in public to defend his shoot-to-kill orders, saying that he was misunderstood.
Source: Facebook
Murkomen clarified that he did not ask the police officers to act recklessly and get involved in extrajudicial killings.
The CS stated that his sentiments were derived from the law and the standing orders guiding the police service.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
