Wamuzi News Ke
A coalition of human rights groups today launched a seismic legal challenge at Milimani High Court seeking to declare Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen unfit to hold public office following his explosive “shoot-to-kill” directive during recent Gen Z protests.
Filed by the Katiba Institute, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Independent Medico‑Legal Unit (IMLU) and others, the petition accuses Murkomen of inciting unlawful violence, breaching constitutional provisions, and undermining the rule of law.
At the core of the case is a June 26 press statement in which Murkomen cited Schedule 6(1)(b), sections (c), (d) and (e) of the National Police Service Act—previously struck down by the High Court in 2022—for authorizing lethal force to protect police stations and officers. The petitioners insist he “misrepresented the law,” incited violence in breach of Article 33, and breached the ethics obligations under Articles 10 and 245.
They argue this public endorsement of deadly force against civilians approaching police facilities represents a gross abuse of Section 8 of the Police Service Act and Article 75(c) of the Constitution, which require respect for independent police command under the Inspector-General.
The petition demands that the court:
- Declare Murkomen unfit for any public role, particularly in national security;
- Order a public retraction via television, press briefing and newspaper notice, referencing the 2022 High Court ruling;
- Command IPOA to reveal all deaths or serious injuries linked to police actions from June 26 onward;
- Facilitate compensation for victims and cover legal costs.
Pressure is mounting: the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is reportedly reviewing a petition to strike Murkomen and Deputy President Kindiki from the Roll of Advocates over their roles in repression during the protests. Opposition MPs are preparing impeachment motions, branding his directive “reckless” and a green light to extrajudicial killings.
Murkomen, who assumed the Interior docket in December 2024, has attempted to clarify that he only meant officers should use firearms defensively. He claims critics distorted his words.
But opponents contend his reversal is too little, too late. “He encouraged the unlawful use of force…he should have known he was citing unconstitutional provisions,” said petitioners.
What’s Next
The case lands before Chief Justice Maangi today. If successful, it could strip Murkomen of his Cabinet position and politicize Kenya’s legal architecture. IPOA records may reveal a surge in civilian casualties tied to his directive.
In Parliament, impeachment hearings loom. Amid public outrage and mounting legal pressure, Murkomen now faces the possibility that his role in law enforcement may end at the courthouse—before he finishes this term. Now, the future of police oversight, Cabinet accountability, and civil liberties hinge on swift judicial action.
