Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued new instructions to police officers just days after he faced public backlash over remarks that many interpreted as giving “shoot-to-kill” orders.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving mass at St Augustine Mwanika Catholic Church in Athwana, Tigania West, Meru County, Murkomen addressed the planned demonstrations scheduled for July 7, also known as Saba Saba Day.
The CS emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between police officers and the public, both during protests and at police stations.
“We have instructed our officers to ensure that police stations are seen as safe spaces where civilians and officers can interact peacefully,” said Murkomen.
He added that the government has no problem with Kenyans exercising their constitutional right to protest, as long as it is done peacefully and in an organized manner.
However, he warned that law enforcement would take firm action if the demonstrations turn violent or chaotic.
Murkomen continued, “I’ve told our police to be respectful and calm when dealing with members of the public.
But if criminals try to cause destruction or harm officers during the protests, I’ve instructed our police to act firmly and decisively to maintain law and order. We can’t have a situation where our officers are being attacked or chased away in the streets.”
He also made a direct appeal to the organizers and supporters of the upcoming protests, urging them to demonstrate responsibly. “To those planning protests on Monday or any other day, you are free to picket, but please do so peacefully,” he said.
In his address, Murkomen also defended police officers, noting that they are often unfairly criticized while politicians who incite violence escape blame. “Every time, people focus only on what the police have done or failed to do.
No one talks about the politicians who use violence as a political weapon. This makes the work of police officers even more difficult,” he stated. He called on Kenyans to reject any politician who uses citizens as tools for political violence.
Murkomen’s latest comments follow strong criticism of his earlier directive, where he urged officers to use firearms if they felt threatened by civilians.
He later clarified that his statement was grounded in the law—specifically, Section B(1) of the National Police Service Act—which permits police to use firearms for self-defence when necessary.
With rising tensions ahead of the Saba Saba protests, the government has insisted that Monday, July 7, will be treated as a normal working day.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku directed all civil servants to report to work as usual on that day, despite the anticipated demonstrations in parts of the country.
Ruku made it clear that all government offices must open by 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., without exception.
He stressed that the government will not accept any excuses related to the protests for absence or lateness. “Government operations will continue normally. All public servants are expected to fulfill their duties as usual,” Ruku stated firmly.
As the date of the Saba Saba protests approaches, the government has maintained a strong stance on law and order while assuring Kenyans that peaceful demonstrations will be respected, as long as they do not disrupt peace or cause damage.
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