Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic escalation of tensions across Kenya, calls are intensifying for the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen after a controversial video of him issuing “shoot to kill” orders sparked nationwide outrage.
During a tense security briefing following widespread vandalism linked to Gen Z-led protests, Murkomen bluntly instructed police to open fire on anyone approaching a police station or attempting to steal a gun.
“Anyone who approaches a police station should be shot… A gun is not a doughnut,” he said in Kiswahili and English. The clip has swiftly gone viral on platforms like TikTok and X, triggering a fierce backlash from political leaders, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens .
MPs launch impeachment bid.
A faction of legislators, primarily from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), have swung into action, initiating a formal impeachment process against Murkomen. Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji led the charge, condemning the CS’s remarks as unconstitutional and a direct threat to civilian safety and the rule of law.
“The Interior Cabinet Secretary has overstepped his mandate by issuing unconstitutional directives that endanger lives,” Mukunji declared at an Embu University event.
His comments reflect growing parliamentary concern over perceived unchecked executive overreach .Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that ordering lethal force violates both the Constitution and police protocol.
Despite the momentum, legislators caution that political interference may obstruct the impeachment effort, arguing that Parliament itself “has largely been captured” .
Outrage from the political elite.
Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua harshly criticized Murkomen, calling him “arrogant and reckless” and warning that such pronouncements could “lead to the loss of innocent lives and expose police officers to legal consequences” .
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined the condemnation in Bondo, branding the orders as “irresponsible and unlawful.” He asserted that suspects belong in court—not targeted by bullets—reinforcing the principle of due process.
Odinga also noted the tragic fallout from the June 25 protests and urged a national dialogue to address underlying grievances .
Murkomen defends his actions.
In response, Murkomen issued a statement over the weekend, claiming his remarks were misconstrued and legally grounded in Section B(1) of the National Police Service Act—the law that regulates the use of firearms in self-defence or the defence of others from imminent threat .
He maintains that the directive was aimed at protecting police stations, communities, and infrastructure from violent intruders, not silencing peaceful demonstrators.
National implications.
Kenya now finds itself at a critical crossroad. The uproar over Murkomen’s “shoot to kill” comments is not only testing the balance between security and civil liberties but also challenging the government’s commitment to constitutional policing.
As impeachment proceedings gain traction, the broader political ramifications are heating up, with implications for Kenya’s democratic institutions and rule-of-law credentials.
With tensions still simmering, the coming days will be pivotal. Will Parliament press ahead with impeachment? Will Murkomen retract or reinforce his stance? And how will the security forces adjust under the glare of public scrutiny?
