MPs push for Interior CS Murkomen’s ouster over 'shoot to kill' remarks amid public outrage

A group of legislators has pledged to pursue the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over his recent “shoot to kill” remarks, which they say undermine constitutional order and endanger public safety.

The MPs, mostly affiliated with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), argue that Murkomen overstepped his legal authority by endorsing the use of lethal force—an action they say puts lives at risk and erodes the rule of law.

Leading the charge was Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who made the remarks during a prayer and fundraising event for Akurino faithful at Embu University grounds.

“This Parliament must stand firm. The Interior Cabinet Secretary has overstepped his mandate by issuing unconstitutional directives that endanger lives. We cannot sit back and watch,” Mukunji declared.

Constitutional freedoms

He accused Murkomen of perpetuating extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances, claiming such actions have become a hallmark of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He called on Parliament to exercise its oversight role in defence of Kenyan lives and constitutional freedoms.

Despite the bold stance, Mukunji admitted the impeachment bid may face resistance due to political interference.

“Let’s be honest, Parliament has largely been captured. But we must try,” he said.

Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia threw his weight behind the ouster push, echoing concerns over Murkomen’s directives.

“The CS has no authority to order police to shoot and kill. Such orders violate the Constitution and must be condemned,” Kaguchia said.

Brutal crackdown

The legislators also alleged that the violent scenes witnessed during the June 25 protests were orchestrated by state agents to paint Gen Z demonstrators as criminals, thereby justifying a brutal crackdown.

Murkomen has come under fire for remarks he made last week during a security briefing in response to widespread destruction linked to the Gen Z-led protests.

In a video that has since gone viral, the CS is heard instructing police: “Mtu yeyote atakaribia police station piga yeye risasi… Mtu mwenye anaenda kuiba bunduki, abembelezwe? Bunduki sio mandazi! (Anyone who approaches a police station should be shot... Should someone who is going to steal a gun be pampered? A gun is not a doughnut).”

Condemnation

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• Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji
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• shoot to kill
• MPs push for Interior CS Murkomen’s ouster over 'shoot to kill' remarks amid public outrage
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The statement drew swift condemnation from various leaders, including former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, who accused Murkomen of arrogance and recklessness.

“He is a young, excited CS full of himself because of money and power. Such illegal and careless pronouncements can lead to the loss of innocent lives and expose police officers to legal consequences,” Gachagua said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also slammed Murkomen’s comments, describing them as irresponsible and unlawful. Speaking in Bondo, Odinga said such directives undermine the Constitution and disregard the sanctity of life.

“Anybody giving instructions that mtu anayekaribia police station apigwe risasi (Anyone approaching a police station should be shot), shame on you. The police should never ever shoot to kill. If someone has committed a crime, he should be taken to court,” he said.

Odinga further addressed the tragic outcome of the June 25 demonstrations, where several lives were lost.

While condemning the infiltration of the Gen Z-led protests by criminal elements, he expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

“We witnessed a lot of bloodshed… there were criminals who came out to do deliberate destruction of property,” Odinga said.

He called for national dialogue, urging both leaders and citizens to engage in constructive conversations to steer the country forward.

In response to the growing criticism, CS Murkomen issued a statement on Saturday defending his remarks. He insisted his comments had been misinterpreted and were consistent with the law.

According to Murkomen, his instructions to police officers were based on Section B(1) of the National Police Service Act, which permits the use of firearms in self-defence or the defence of others from imminent threats of death or serious injury.