Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday June 27, 2025, sought to clear the air after his controversial remarks allowing police officers to shoot protesters who attack them. Murkomen called on police officers to apply force strictly within the confines of the law.
In his address during the graduation ceremony of the Border Police Unit Special Role Course No. 1/2025 at their training facility in Kanyonyo, Kitui County, Murkomen clarified his earlier remarks made on Thursday, June 26 stating they had been misinterpreted.
He underscored that his statements were not meant to imply that officers have the liberty to use firearms irresponsibly.
“When we call on police officers to use firearms to protect themselves or civilians, we do not mean carelessly. We are simply defending officers whose lives are in danger but are being cautioned against using their arms for fear of prosecution,” he explained.
Murkomen Clarifies Remarks on Police Use of Firearms
In contrast to his earlier tone, the CS emphasised that police are part of the communities they serve and should maintain mutual respect with citizens to uphold national security.
“I want to remind Kenyans that police officers are part of our communities, and we must help each other to keep the country safe. The recent acts of torching police stations are unprecedented. I appeal to citizens and politicians alike, do not politicise national security,” he said.
Murkomen warned that attacking public institutions equates to attacking the core values that hold the nation together.
“I urge our police officers, wherever they may be, to make every effort to work closely with local communities, build strong relationships, and rely not only on the power of firearms but also on diplomacy to promote peace,” he added.
He also reminded officers of the National Police Service Act’s guidelines on lawful use of force.
An explanation to the previous remarks
“In those few instances where your life or the life of a citizen is in danger, you are permitted to use force. But in all other cases, we ask officers to develop and apply diplomatic skills that will enable better working relationships,” he stated.
He said that improving public-police relations would involve strengthening community policing strategies.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the incidents witnessed in parts of the country where communities set fire to their own police stations. If we want to live in a safe and secure country, we must also protect the lives of our police officers,” said Murkomen.
Also Read: Murkomen Issues Shoot-to-Kill Order to Police Officers in Select Situations
The graduating officers completed a course tailored to modern border security needs, covering areas such as ambush and anti-ambush tactics, counter-IED operations, patrol formations, forensic methods, threat evaluation, and terrain assessment.
“The dynamic nature of our security landscape requires constant adaptation. I commend the National Police Service for continuously updating its curriculum to reflect both local threats and global best practices,” said Murkomen.
LSK condemns the orders earlier given
He urged the officers to uphold professionalism and apply sound judgment in their duties.
This comes after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s directive.
Also Read: Win for Media Stations as LSK Secures Conservatory Orders Against Govt
LSK described the directive as ultra vires, illegal and unconstitutional, cautioning law enforcement against acting on such orders.
“We note that the Cabinet Secretary has no authority under the law to issue such an order,” Faith Odhiambo, the LSK President stated firmly.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
