Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will appear before a parliamentary committee on Thursday, July 3. Lawmakers summoned him to explain his shoot-on-sight directive to police officers targeting anyone trying to storm police stations. The National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee issued the summons after public outrage over his remarks.
Murkomen gave the order after visiting police stations vandalized during recent Gen Z-led protests. He said police must protect key installations and warned that force would meet any attack on such facilities.
“Criminals get arrested, walk free, and come back to mock the police,” Murkomen said. “We’ve told the police to shoot anyone who approaches a station.”
His comments sparked immediate backlash from human rights groups and civil society. They accused him of endorsing extrajudicial killings. They said his words undermined the rule of law and posed a threat to constitutional rights.
Several groups have filed a legal petition to declare Murkomen unfit for office. They also demand a public retraction and apology. They argue his statements incite violence and encourage unlawful action.
Political leaders also responded. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei urged police officers to reject unconstitutional orders.
“If you kill someone illegally, you’ll be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed alone,” he said. He called for responsible leadership, especially when public trust in institutions is weak.
The committee will question Murkomen about the legality of his directive and its broader impact. Lawmakers fear such statements may embolden rogue officers and weaken judicial oversight.
Murkomen defended himself, saying critics misunderstood his message. He said he aimed to highlight the importance of protecting police stations and maintaining order. He also claimed officers have a right to defend themselves if under threat.
