Kenya Interior CS Murkomen Faces Backlash, Impeachment Calls Over Shoot-to-Kill Order Supported by President

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen sparked widespread controversy after issuing a directive authorizing police officers to shoot to kill individuals attacking police stations or officers. The order drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), opposition leader Raila Odinga, church leaders, and some police officers themselves. Critics argued that the directive could lead to increased extrajudicial killings and is beyond Murkomen's authority. Murkomen defended the order, stating it was aimed at criminals approaching police stations and emphasized police awareness of the limits in the use of force.

Amid the public uproar, Murkomen later clarified and partially retracted the directive, though President William Ruto expressed support for the shoot-to-kill order. The backlash intensified with calls for Murkomen's impeachment from Members of Parliament and a petition filed seeking to declare him unfit for office. The controversy has fueled a national debate on police brutality and the appropriate use of force in law enforcement.