NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked a national outcry after declaring that the government will not cooperate with investigations into police officers who use firearms while protecting government facilities—even if such actions result in civilian deaths.
In a viral video widely circulated on social media, Murkomen vowed that the State would defend officers prosecuted for using lethal force in such situations, including offering them legal representation.
“If a police officer is taken to court for using their gun to protect themselves, a police station, Parliament or any other government office, we will not cooperate,” said Murkomen.
“We’ll provide lawyers. There’s no way we can abandon a police officer to struggle alone.”
His comments come amid increased scrutiny over the handling of Gen Z-led anti-government protests, during which multiple civilians have reportedly been injured or killed by police.
“10 People Injured Is Justified”
Murkomen went further to justify the use of firearms, stating that injuring several civilians would be warranted in efforts to secure weapons from being stolen during protests.
“Even if 10 people are injured, what else would you expect when a police station is under attack?” he asked.
“That gun which has been stolen, how many robberies do you think it will be used in?”
Public Outrage and Legal Threats
The remarks triggered immediate backlash from Kenyans online, with many accusing the Cabinet Secretary of endorsing impunity and undermining the rule of law.
Some warned that Murkomen’s statements could be used against him in future legal proceedings.
“We will present them in court once his time in government ends. If the demonstrations continue and lives are lost, we will take the matter to the International Criminal Court,” wrote human rights activist Dahir Sadiq.
This is the second time in a week Murkomen has been on the defensive. Last week, while touring damaged property in downtown Nairobi, he was caught on video saying:
“If anyone gets close to a police station, shoot and kill them… That’s an order from above, not just from me.”
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned his comments as reckless and warned that they could lead to more extrajudicial killings.
IPOA, Hospitals Face Obstruction
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has accused senior police commanders and other government institutions of frustrating investigations into police brutality during the protests.
IPOA Commissioner Joseph Waiganjo said some commanders had refused to share deployment logs, arms registers, or respond to summonses.
“We are in a very hostile environment where our officers do not get information,” Waiganjo said.
“Some public hospitals are also refusing to release medical records of injured protesters.”
Waiganjo warned that IPOA is considering legal action against non-cooperative police officers.
“We will seek court-issued warrants of arrest against commanders who are blocking our work. The public is demanding action,” he said.
Murkomen Walks Back Slightly
Speaking later at a police graduation event in Kanyonyo, Kitui County, Murkomen appeared to tone down his comments, insisting the government was not advocating for reckless use of firearms.
“Some officers currently fear using guns because they do not want to go to jail,” he said.
“But what if they lose their lives to criminals? We’re trying to defend them, not encourage abuse.”
However, critics argue that his earlier remarks have already sent the wrong message, particularly in the context of rising public anger over police violence during protests.
