A coalition of human rights groups has taken Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to court over his explosive remarks urging police officers to shoot-to-kill anyone perceived as a threat near police stations.
In a petition filed Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Katiba Institute, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) accuse Murkomen of incitement to violence, unethical conduct, and encouraging extrajudicial killings in violation of the Kenyan Constitution.
The remarks in question were made on June 26 and 27, when the Cabinet Secretary was recorded publicly telling police officers that they should “shoot anyone approaching a police station” or threatening their lives—and that he would protect those officers from any legal consequences.
“Murkomen gave assurances that he would protect any police officer who executes his shoot-to-kill orders,” the petition states.
The civil society groups, under the Police Reforms Working Group, are demanding an immediate and public retraction of Murkomen’s statements and have asked the court to declare him unfit to hold public office.
The petition draws on a landmark ruling—Katiba Institute & Another v Attorney-General & Another (Petition 379 of 2017)—where the High Court ruled that the use of firearms by police is strictly limited, and cannot be justified to protect property or where less harmful means exist, especially during peaceful protests.
According to the petitioners:
Murkomen’s remarks violate Article 33 of the Constitution, which prohibits incitement to violence.
They also breach Article 10 and Chapter Six on integrity and ethical leadership.
The CS “knew or should have known” that he was citing outdated and unconstitutional laws in defending his comments.
“The CS should be held unequivocally responsible for any individuals who lose their lives or are injured from 26 June 2025 at the hands of any police officers, following his unlawful orders,” the organisations argue.
The statement, jointly signed by Katiba Institute, KHRC, and IMLU, marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing tension between civil society and the state over police conduct during the Gen Z-led demonstrations and broader calls for security sector reforms.
Murkomen has not yet issued a formal response to the petition. However, legal experts say the case could test the limits of ministerial accountability in Kenya’s policing framework.
The petition is expected to be heard in the coming days as pressure mounts on the government to uphold constitutional protections on the use of force.
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works – a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
