Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a strong directive to police officers, instructing them to use lethal force against anyone who attacks or poses a direct threat to police stations and officers.
“We have told the police—if anyone comes near a police station with criminal intentions, shoot them,” Murkomen said, using direct Kiswahili language during his speech: “Tumeambia polisi, mtu yeyote ambaye atakaribia police station, piga yeye risasi.”
He was speaking to security officers on Thursday when he pointed out that a lack of firmness by police officers has contributed to growing cases of lawlessness, including violent attacks on police stations and theft of firearms.
Murkomen emphasized that criminals are taking advantage of a system that he believes is too lenient, especially on repeat offenders who are often released on small bond terms.
“These criminals are arrested, released on small bond, and then return to attack the same police officers. Some even go as far as mocking them. This nonsense must stop,” he said, showing frustration over what he sees as a justice system that is too soft on crime.
However, his tough remarks quickly sparked concern among some Kenyans listening to him. People questioned whether the directive applied to anyone approaching police stations, including innocent citizens seeking assistance, shelter, or to report crimes.
In response to the public’s concern, Murkomen later clarified that his order was not targeting law-abiding citizens. He made it clear that the shoot-to-kill directive only applies to dangerous criminals who are attacking police officers or trying to steal weapons from police stations.
“Let’s be clear—this order is for thugs who storm police stations, beat officers, and grab guns as if they are toys. It’s not meant for people who come to seek help, report crimes, or those in need of protection,” Murkomen clarified, as the crowd around him cheered.
The Cabinet Secretary further explained that these continued attacks on police stations and officers are creating a dangerous environment where law enforcers are constantly under threat. He stated that the government can no longer afford to let police officers become easy targets for violent criminals.
Murkomen’s remarks come at a time when incidents of police officers being targeted have been on the rise.
During the anti-finance bill protests held on Wednesday, June 25, the Ministry of Interior reported that over 300 police officers were injured after being attacked by protestors. Several police stations were also vandalized, looted, and set on fire during the chaos.
In the latest incident on Thursday, angry villagers in Ndunyu, Nyandarua County, burned down a police station after a police officer allegedly shot and killed a local resident. According to Murkomen, such acts of violence must be stopped immediately, and police must now be allowed to defend themselves decisively.
The CS insisted that allowing criminals to attack law enforcement with no serious consequences only emboldens them, putting the lives of officers and citizens at risk. The government, he said, must stand firm and protect the rule of law.
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