Murkomen: I Did Not Order Shoot-to-Kill

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has distanced himself from claims that he ordered police to shoot and kill protesters during recent demonstrations across the country.

In a strongly worded statement, Murkomen emphasized that his role, as defined by the Constitution, does not give him authority over police operations or decisions made by the Inspector General of Police.

“I cannot order the IG on anything because the constitution denies me to do so. I did not order the IG to conduct any extra judicial killings. What I did was to restate the law,” he said.

His remarks come amid a national outcry following reports of police brutality and use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians. At least 20 people are reported to have died, with hundreds injured during anti-government protests held across the country in the past week.

Murkomen clarified that he had only reminded officers of their legal mandate and responsibilities, and that he had never directed them to use lethal force.

“I did not say anywhere that anybody should be shot and killed. You will find nowhere where I said a police officer should take orders from myself. No,” he asserted.

The Cabinet Secretary’s statement comes as local and international human rights organizations continue to raise alarm over growing police violence and alleged violations of constitutional rights. Calls for investigations and accountability continue to mount.