Groups move to oust Murkomen over police shooting remarks
National
By
Ronald Kipruto
| Jul 02, 2025
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen,address press on 26th June 2025 at Harambee House Nairobi, Murkomen said GenZ 1st Anniversary demonstration was Anarchy, looting and destruction of property .[Edward Kiplimo,Standard]
Civil society groups have filed a petition seeking the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over his shoot-to-kill remarks, arguing they incite violence and encourage unlawful police killings.
Katiba Institute, Kenya Human Rights Commission and Independent Medico-Legal Unit led the petition, telling the court Murkomen's comments breach constitutional provisions and show he is unfit for public office.
"The petition asks the court to find that the CS, as a public officer, is not fit to hold public office," read part of the filing.
The groups argued Murkomen assured protection to officers who carry out shoot-to-kill orders, which they claim violates Article 33 on freedom of expression and Article 10 on national values.
READ MORE
Stocks rise as optimism over Mideast war takes hold
New 2030 plan targets billions in financing for farmers and MSMEs
Three Kenyan startups picked for Africa eye health accelerator
Maina named Vision 2030 acting director
Kenyan firms eye Caribbean footprint as Afreximbank seals St Kitts trade forum deal
Experts say Ruto is driving economy to the ground over rising fuel prices
New Kifwa team takes office after chaotic polls
Beyond Mombasa: Why Kenya must rethink its port strategy
Dock worker Owuor ousts Sang, ends 20-year rule at union
State's affordable housing project: Why Kenyans are sceptical
"The CS' comments constitute incitement as he encourages unlawful use of force and knew or should have known he was relying on outdated and unconstitutional provisions to justify his remarks," noted the organisations.
They want Murkomen held responsible for deaths and injuries during recent protests, accusing him of "playing with people's lives" by making reckless statements.
The remarks have sparked public debate, with critics accusing Murkomen of endorsing extrajudicial killings.
Last Wednesday, Murkomen stepped back from his comments, saying he was outlining situations where officers may use firearms in self-defence.
"I am not the one who wrote the law. The law states that a police officer, when faced with a life-threatening situation, must be able to use their firearms," said Murkomen.