Raila Addresses Murkomen’s Shoot-to-Kill Remarks

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Raila Addresses Murkomen’s Shoot-to-Kill Remarks

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has lambasted Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for comments that are seen as endorsing a shoot-to-kill policy by police during the recent nationwide protests.

Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, June 29, Raila warned that such statements pose a great danger to constitutional rights and could be criminal conduct by government officials.

“We have seen a lot of bloodshed in this country. People who had the right to demonstrate–some of them died,” Raila said. “Anyone giving instructions to a police officer that ‘if someone comes near a police station, shoot them’ – we should not encourage that. It’s taking a human life in an unconstitutional manner.”

The opposition leader’s comments come after CS Murkomen on June 25 in Kiambu County said, “When someone comes to the police station and wants to take over the government’s office, the police gun and your life, shoot him.”

The statement was widely condemned. Civil society organizations, lawyers and human rights groups termed it as incitement to extrajudicial killings. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo described Murkomen’s comments as “reckless” and warned that they would encourage lawlessness within security agencies.

Murkomen later denied issuing a direct shoot-to-kill order, saying his comments were misinterpreted and based on legal principles of self-defense and protection of government property. But critics argue the ambiguity of his language would embolden police to use excessive force.

Raila said no one is above the law and reiterated the importance of protecting constitutional freedoms especially during times of political turmoil. He demanded accountability for the deaths that occurred on June 25 and justice for the victims and their families.

“The Constitution must be upheld at all times,” Raila said and asked authorities to bring to book those responsible for any unlawful killings through the proper channels.

The protests sparked by governance and economic issues turned deadly in many areas, with renewed calls for police reforms and adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement.

As investigations continue and pressure mounts on the Interior Ministry, the country waits to see what the government will do about the protests and the controversial comments.

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Raila Addresses Murkomen’s Shoot-to-Kill Remarks