Raila Breaks Silence on ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Orders
Raila Odinga, the head of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, has taken a strong stand against Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for his recent comments to police officers, which many interpreted as a call to shoot to kill.
While speaking at a church service in his hometown of Bondo, the former prime minister condemned Murkomen’s statements, arguing that they bordered on lawlessness from state officials.
Raila emphasized that not only is a shoot-to-kill directive unconstitutional, but it also risks undermining the public’s trust in law enforcement.
“Anybody giving instructions to a police officer to shoot anyone who gets near a police station, it’s a big shame. Shame on you,” Raila said.
He added, “We should not encourage taking away life in a way that is not constitutional. If someone has committed a crime, that person should be subjected to the law and taken to court. If the court finds him guilty, sentence him.”
On Thursday, right after giving a media briefing about the country’s situation following the Gen Z protests, Murkomen seemed to imply that police officers might need to use their firearms if they feel threatened while inside a police station.
ALSO READ:
- Matiang’i Ally Clarifies Secret Talks to Join Ruto Govt
- “You’re Going Home Mapema!”- Uhuru Ally Reveals MPs, Senators & Governors Set for Ouster
- Autopsy Confirms 17-Year-Old Brian Ndung’u Was Shot Dead During Olkalou Gen Z Protests
- “I’m Coming for You!” – Miguna Miguna Lands Explosive Citizen TV Interview to Tear into Matiang’i’s ‘Lies’
- Govt Seeks Ksh50 Billion Loan From Kenyans to Fund 2025/26 Budget
In response to the public backlash, Murkomen clarified his remarks, stating that they were taken out of context and that he had the legal framework in mind when he made them.
“My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law. No leader, scholar, jurist, journalist, blogger, or opinion shaper has challenged me on the law,” Murkomen noted.
The protests on June 25 had heartbreaking consequences, with millions of dollars in property damage and several lives tragically lost, some due to police actions.
Human rights organizations have reported that numerous civilians from various countries suffered serious injuries amid the chaos on Wednesday.
While Raila criticized Murkomen’s comments, he also condemned certain protesters who turned to vandalism during what was meant to be a day of remembrance for young lives lost in previous protests.
“But at the same time, we condemn the criminals who went to the streets to destroy property and burn a police station. That is not a solution,” Raila declared.
Raila Breaks Silence on ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Orders
