Former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio has sharply criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over recent remarks interpreted as endorsing a shoot-to-kill approach by police.
This is after Murkomen gave a green light for the police to shoot on sight any aggressors who approach police stations with criminal intent following vandalism witnessed during protests commemorating victims of the June 25, 2025, anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking at a local TV station on Monday, June 30, 2025, Poghisio said Murkomen overstepped his mandate and called on him to exercise restraint and compassion when addressing matters of national security and public unrest.
“You must be compassionate to your people. You cannot talk about shooting and killing. Even the law cannot allow that,” he said.
He has also accused Murkomen of trying to patronise the police force and paint the security system as flawless, warning that such rhetoric could embolden brutality and undermine constitutional protections.
“He knows he is trying to patronise the police force and the security system to look like angels. This shoot-to-kill order is not within your power,” he said.
Poghisio further emphasised that the police are mandated to protect lives and property, not to turn their weapons on citizens.
Protests
He condemned violence from all quarters, including both protestors and law enforcement, urging leaders to uphold the rule of law and the dignity of every Kenyan.
“Even if you are the minister in charge of the police, can you condemn the shoot-to-kill order and the people who kill because their job is to protect lives and property. You cannot tell the police to shoot citizens,” he said.
We don’t condone violence by anybody, be it citizens or the police,” he added.
“Sometimes, it’s okay to be quiet; you don’t have to, Murkomen; you can do your work without having to speak too much,” he said.
The former lawmaker also appealed to President William Ruto to rein in his Cabinet and clarify ministerial roles, reminding them that leadership requires wisdom, not theatrics.
“This is the time the president should call the people to order and tell them what a minister means. You have got to head the ministry policy-wise, not trying to look like a soldier. You cannot be in the streets trying to look like one,” he stated.
