NAIROBI, Kenya— ODM leader Raila Odinga has publicly called out Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over what he described as reckless and unconstitutional remarks amid growing outrage over police brutality during the June 25 protests.
Speaking on Sunday at ACK St Peter’s Parish in Bondo, Siaya County, Raila condemned the widespread bloodshed during the Gen Z-led demonstrations and warned against state-sanctioned violence under the guise of protecting infrastructure.
“We have witnessed a lot of bloodshed recently,” Raila said. “Children went out to demonstrate. Some of them died. Some of them were shot by the police.”
While making it clear that destruction of property should not be tolerated, the former Prime Minister insisted that police officers do not have a license to kill.
“Yes, we condemn those who damaged property—they are criminals. But police have no legal basis to shoot to kill. Arrest, prosecute—don’t murder,” he said.
His comments came in direct response to remarks by CS Murkomen, who last week appeared to justify the use of lethal force by law enforcement if protesters threatened police stations or other public institutions.
“So anybody giving instructions to a police officer that if anybody comes close to a police station, shoot them? It’s a shame. Shame on you,” Raila fired, without mincing words.
“We should not encourage the taking away of life in a way which is not constitutional,” he added.
In his defense, Murkomen denied ever issuing a shoot-to-kill directive.
Speaking during a high-level security meeting at State House on Saturday, the CS attempted to clarify his statements, saying they were a legal interpretation rather than operational orders.
“I cannot order an Inspector General of Police on anything. The Constitution does not allow me to do so,” Murkomen said.
“What I did was to state the law. As a lawyer, I’ve read, studied, and understood these laws,” he continued. “You will not find me anywhere saying somebody should be shot to be killed.”
Raila wasn’t convinced.
He stressed the need for accountability and called on the government to respect the Constitution and the lives of Kenyans—particularly the youth, whose voices were central to the protests.
“We condole with the families who lost their loved ones,” he said. “But we must hold to account those who turned a lawful protest into a deadly crackdown.”
The standoff now raises deeper questions about Kenya’s democratic health, police reform, and the moral responsibilities of public officials in moments of national crisis.
