Wamuzi News Ke
In a sharp rebuttal to public alarm, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied allegations that Kenyan police operate a “killer squad” deployed to suppress dissent. His statement comes amid rising tensions over shoot-to-kill orders during nationwide protests—orders that critics say have blurred the line between law enforcement and state-sanctioned violence.
At a press briefing today, Murkomen asserted firmly: “There is no police killer squad in Kenya.” He accused opponents of manufacturing fear for political gain, attributing allegations to disinformation campaigns by human rights lobbyists and social media activists. He reaffirmed that security directives adhere strictly to legal frameworks—designed to protect both public institutions and citizens—while ensuring they remain within the rule of law.
Murkomen’s denial follows weeks of intense scrutiny. On June 25, he shocked the nation by ordering officers to “shoot anyone who dares approach a police station with criminal intent”. This hardline approach was mirrored by President William Ruto’s own public remarks directing officers to “shoot them in the legs” during protests, aiming to curb violence while avoiding fatalities.
But human rights advocates argue these directives amount to verbal permission for excessive force. Civil society groups, especially on the coast, warn the absence of formal “killer squads” doesn’t negate patterns of extrajudicial killings. They cite a chilling history of abductions and unexplained deaths linked to security services .
These fears intensified following the June 8 custody death of blogger Albert Ojwang, ruled a victim of torture and neck compression. The incident triggered nationwide protest and reinforced demands for policing reforms. In response, Murkomen ordered CCTV installations in all 1,200 police stations to enforce transparency.
Yet, analysts note the disconnect: “You can deny having strike teams, but the use of lethal force without clear protocols is effectively the same,” says a Nairobi-based security expert who requested anonymity.
Protests Escalate, Death Toll Rises
Violent clashes have grown routine. Over the last two weeks, protests across 23 counties left at least 31 dead in a single day, adding to more than 50 fatalities linked to earlier unrest. Arrests have reportedly exceeded 500, with 107 people wounded.
President Ruto’s insistence that protests aim to “unconstitutionally overthrow government” has entrenched a hardline posture. Opposition leaders decry what they call state-enabled brutality, while some police officials privately express concern about legal liability and ethical boundaries.
Murkomen’s Dual Track: Reform vs Force
Murkomen has gone into overdrive—rolling out reforms including CCTV, digital occurrence books, and community-oriented policing aimed at restoring credibility. Simultaneously, he’s defended the use of strong-handed tactics to protect police officers and critical infrastructure.
The clash over language—denying “killer squads” while issuing shoot-on-sight instructions—has sparked deep public mistrust. Legal scholars argue that real accountability requires clear operational protocols, independent oversight, and consequences for misuse.
As the country approaches another critical protest date, human rights groups are pushing for judicial reviews, transparent inquiries, and suspension of lethal directives pending reform. Meanwhile, Murkomen’s denials and policy reversals only fuel skepticism across Nairobi’s streets.
