Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a new directive to police officers, instructing them to shoot individuals who pose a direct threat to officers or attack police stations.
“Tumeambia polisi, mtu yeyote ambaye atakaribia police station, piga yeye risasi (We have directed the police that anyone who dares approach a police station with criminal intent, shoot them),” Murkomen directed.
The CS was addressing security personnel on Thursday when he attributed the leniency by police officers to the rising cases of lawlessness, where criminals storm police stations and steal guns.
Murkomen expressed frustration over a system that he claims has allowed repeat offenders to be released on lenient bond terms, only for them to return and challenge law enforcement.
“They get released on small bond, return to fight police, and even mock them. This must come to an end,'' the CS noted.
His remarks immediately raised concerns among Kenyans who were listening to him, as they quickly questioned whether he meant anyone who approached police stations, including those who need help or are reporting cases.
In a quick clarification, the CS clarified that the shoot-to-kill order was exclusively for thugs who attack police stations and steal guns from there.
“Those looking for help, shelter, and reporting cases are okay, but people who come to snatch guns from the police, those who attack police and think that guns are toys must be stopped,'' the CS clarified amid a charged crowd.
CS Murkomen argued that trends encourage criminals, leading to increased violence against officers and repeated attacks on police stations. According to Murkomen, the government can no longer allow police to be sitting targets.
His directive comes at a time when police and police stations have become the latest target of goons.
During the June 25 commemorative protests on Wednesday, the Interior Ministry revealed that 300 police officers were attacked and injured.
Police stations were also looted and burned during the protests. In the latest occurrence on Thursday, a police station in Ndunyu, Nyandarua county, was torched by angry residents after a police officer allegedly shot a villager. According to Murkomen, these incidents cannot continue.
