Activists blast Ruto, Murkomen over use of live bullets in protests, call for police accountability

President William Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. Several human rights organisations have strongly condemned their recent remarks, describing them as brutal and unconstitutional. (Photo: PCS)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, July 14, 2025

The groups expressed outrage over threats to deploy live ammunition against civilians during protests and called for swift action against police officers implicated in the killing of demonstrators.

Several human rights organisations have strongly condemned recent remarks by President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, describing them as brutal and unconstitutional.

The groups expressed outrage over threats to deploy live ammunition against civilians during protests and called for swift action against police officers implicated in the killing of demonstrators.

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“It is very unfortunate to hear the President make statements that are not aligned with the law or the Constitution of this country. A police officer is only permitted to use lethal force when their life or that of another person is in imminent danger; only then can they shoot to kill,” said Khelef Khalifa, a veteran rights defender.

Munira Ali from Haki Yetu Organisation added an emotional appeal, “Today, mothers are bleeding not from the bullets that have struck their children, but from the heartbreak of burying sons and daughters whose only crime is raising their voices.”

During the recent Saba Saba protests, which drew thousands of demonstrators across the country, rights groups reported that at least 40 people were killed in a single day—the highest number of protest-related deaths ever recorded in Kenya's history.

National tragedy

Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa and a vocal critic of police brutality, described the deaths as a national tragedy.

“This is the highest number of protest-related deaths recorded in a single day. It is a dark moment for our democracy,” he said.

Activist Walid Sketty, speaking directly to police officers, urged them not to blindly follow unlawful orders.

“When you are sent on a mission and told to shoot and kill, remember that when you stand in the court dock, you will be alone. When they tell you they have got your back, they are lying to you. Because you are a legal entity, and when you kill and get arrested, you will carry the burden alone.”

Meanwhile, Raudha Mohamed, a youth, called for self-reflection among young people participating in the protests.

“We, the youth, are being used as goons. Are we really fighting for a better government, or are we destroying each other?”

Haki Africa Executive Director Yusuf Abubakar pointed to systemic failures in ensuring police accountability.

He cited a recent Missing Voices report launched in Nairobi, where the chair of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) lamented the lack of prosecutions.

“IPOA sent over 22 files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action, but the files were returned, despite concluded investigations that recommended prosecution. Our demand is simple: take the 22 files to court and prosecute the officers involved.”