People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has come out against President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing them of undermining the Constitution by encouraging the police to use lethal force on protesters.
Karua expressed her concerns during an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. She said both Ruto and Murkomen had shown disregard for the Constitution, particularly for recent directives to police officers.
She criticised Murkomen for telling police to shoot anyone who approached a police station with bad intentions, a statement he made during a visit to Kiambu County after the Gen Z memorial protests held on June 25.
According to Karua, Murkomen’s directive violated the sanctity of life and encouraged police brutality.
Karua noted that instead of reprimanding the Interior Cabinet Secretary, President Ruto publicly supported him. She accused the two leaders of showing what she described as a spirited attempt to overthrow the Constitution.
“Both Murkomen and Dr. Ruto have told Kenyans openly that they have no respect for the constitution. Murkomen has no business ordering the police to violate the sanctity of life, yet Ruto backed him instead of sacking him. These are two people who have clearly shown a spirited attempt to overthrow the Constitution,” Martha Karua stated.
Murkomen’s remarks have sparked national outrage. While addressing officers in Kiambu, the CS claimed that protesters who had earlier been arrested were mocking the police after being released, and that such defiance needed to be dealt with using force.
He told officers that anyone approaching police stations with bad intentions should be shot.
Ruto defends police
Ruto later defended Murkomen’s comments, saying he stood fully behind the police.
While addressing regional and county security teams, as well as National Government Administration officers at State House on Saturday, June 28, Ruto said he would protect security officers from threats and intimidation.
The president also ordered that those who committed crimes such as looting, robbery, rape, and arson during the recent protests be arrested and prosecuted. He stated that the safety of police officers and their ability to do their jobs must be guaranteed.
“I am going to stand for every man and woman in uniform who is doing the duty of securing our families, children and nation. I will be there to make sure that they are not threatened,” Ruto said.
Adding;
“We must ensure that our officers who secure us, our families, our property, are also secure.”
