Kenya Interior CS Murkomen Faces Backlash as President Supports Shoot-to-Kill Order, MPs Plot Impeachment, and Rights Groups Challenge

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen sparked widespread controversy after issuing a directive authorizing police officers to shoot to kill anyone attacking police stations or officers. The order, initially defended by Murkomen and supported by the President, drew condemnation from various quarters including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), opposition leader Raila Odinga, church leaders, and human rights groups. Critics argued that the directive could lead to extrajudicial killings and is beyond Murkomen's authority. Murkomen later clarified and partially retracted the order amid public uproar.

Several Members of Parliament have proposed impeachment motions against him, while petitions have been filed seeking to declare him unfit for office. The Katiba Institute and three human rights organizations have also taken legal action to challenge the police standing orders that grant Murkomen such powers. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over police brutality and the use of force in Kenya.