LSK condemns CS Kipchumba Murkomen's 'shoot-to-kill order', warns police against illegal directives

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sharply criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for remarks he made following the nationwide protests held on June 25, accusing him of supporting unlawful police violence and disregarding the rule of law.

In a statement, LSK expressed deep concern over what it described as reckless, insensitive, and misleading public comments made in the aftermath of the protests.

"We have noted with great revulsion the public statements made by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen, regarding his views on police conduct during the demonstrations, and what has been indicated as the Government's policy position on police excesses and extrajudicial killings," said LSK.

The society warned that any police officer who acts on the shoot-to-kill order allegedly alluded to by CS Murkomen would be held personally responsible and could face criminal prosecution.

It reminded the National Police Service (NPS) that such orders are illegal and unconstitutional.

"The sanctity of the right to life is only subject to the necessary, exceptional and clearly defined limitations contemplated in law."

LSK emphasised that, even in such cases, the use of firearms must follow clearly defined legal procedures and be subject to mandatory reporting and review.

The society urged the Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, not to allow his officers to abandon their constitutional duties in favour of unlawful directives, warning that both individual officers and their commanders would be held accountable for any violations.

LSK also strongly dissociated itself from any claims suggesting that it was advancing a political agenda, stating that its allegiance lay strictly with the rule of law, the constitution, public interest, and its membership.

"We note that the mandate of the LSK is elaborately outlined under Section 4 of the Law Society of Kenya Act, which bespeaks neutralism, objectivity and fidelity to the law. For the avoidance of doubt, the Law Society of Kenya operates in strict conformity to the statutory framework that governs its mandate," the society stated.

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• LSK condemns CS Kipchumba Murkomen's 'shoot-to-kill order'
• warns police against illegal directives