Raila Odinga Speaks Out Against ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Orders by CS Murkomen
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and former Prime Minister, has spoken out strongly against recent remarks made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The comments, interpreted by many as a directive for police officers to use lethal force, have sparked national concern.
Speaking during a church service in his hometown of Bondo, Raila condemned Murkomen’s statement, warning that it could lead to police officers acting outside the law.
He said such instructions were not only unconstitutional but could seriously damage the already fragile trust between law enforcement and the public.
“Anyone telling police officers to shoot people who approach police stations should be ashamed. Shame on you,” Raila said. “We cannot support unlawful killings.
If someone breaks the law, due process must be followed. Let them be arrested, taken to court, and if found guilty, sentenced accordingly. That is how a civilized society works,” he added.
Murkomen had made the controversial remarks last Thursday after addressing the media about the country’s state following massive protests led largely by Gen Z youth.
His statement seemed to imply that police officers had the right to shoot if they felt threatened while inside a police station.
Following public uproar, Murkomen later attempted to clarify his position. He claimed that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context, stressing that he was speaking within the framework of existing legal provisions.
“My statement was made consciously and within the boundaries of the law,” Murkomen defended himself. “So far, no legal expert, journalist, academic, or opinion leader has successfully challenged the legal basis of my remarks.”
The protests on June 25 led to widespread destruction and tragic loss of life. Properties worth millions of shillings were vandalized, and numerous people were killed, including several reportedly by police gunfire.
Human rights organizations have also documented that hundreds of civilians suffered serious injuries during the chaos across the country.
While Raila firmly opposed Murkomen’s statement, he also criticized certain protestors who engaged in acts of violence and vandalism.
He pointed out that what was meant to be a peaceful day of remembrance for young people who lost their lives during previous protests turned chaotic due to the destructive actions of a few.
“We must also condemn those who took advantage of the situation to loot, destroy property, and even burn a police station,” Raila stated. “That kind of behavior does not solve anything and only undermines the purpose of the protest.”
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