Condemning The “Shoot To Kill” Order – A Call For Constitutionality, Humanity, And Dialogue
We, the Nakuru County Civil Society Organizations, in partnership with Inuka Kenya ni Sisi, strongly condemn the dangerous and reckless remarks made by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and national administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, who publicly instructed police to “shoot to kill” citizens accessing police stations if they happen to go close to them. This dangerous directive stands in direct opposition to the spirit and letter of our Constitution and violates the National Police Service’s own motto, “Utumishi kwa Wote” (Service to All). This motto is not a slogan to be printed on banners. It is a public promise. A commitment to serve every Kenyan with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Our observations during the 25th genz commemoration protest are as follows;
- Commendation for Police Restraint in Some Regions
We commend the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by some members of the National Police Service during the recent protests. In various parts of the country, law enforcement officers carried out their mandate under the Constitution, ensuring peaceful demonstrations proceeded without incidents of violence, vandalism, or destruction of property. We particularly recognize the actions of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Ambrose Kyalo in Meru County-Imenti North, who walked side by side with protesters, assuring them of their safety and working to prevent any infiltration or escalation. In Mombasa County, efforts by politicians to disrupt protests by deploying hired goons were decisively thwarted by the police, safeguarding the integrity of peaceful demonstrations.
- Condemnation of Violence Against Police Officers
While we remain firm in condemning any form of police brutality and excessive use of force, we are equally disturbed by isolated incidents where protesters or criminal elements turned against police officers who were exercising restraint. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the spirit of peaceful civic engagement. We urge the public to uphold nonviolence and dignity even in the face of provocation.
- Alarming “Shoot-to-Kill” Directive
We express our grave concern over reported directives or statements by Cs Murkomen, calling for a “shoot-to-kill” approach in managing protests. Such rhetoric is reckless, unconstitutional, and endangers the lives of innocent citizens. The use of lethal force is only permissible as a last resort and must always be preceded by lawful procedures and accountability mechanisms. We call for an immediate retraction of such statements and urge all leaders to respect the right to life as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Politically Sponsored Infiltration and Weaponization of Protests
We have witnessed incidents of politically sponsored goons who have infiltrated otherwise peaceful demonstrations to incite violence, loot businesses, and discredit the legitimacy of the Gen Z-led movement. This is a dangerous tactic that puts lives at risk and compromises public trust. We call on security agencies to investigate and hold accountable all those involved in such schemes.
- Clampdown on Media and Independent Reporting
We are deeply alarmed by attempts to intimidate, threaten, or shut down independent media houses and journalists covering the protests. A free press is an essential pillar of any democracy. Journalists must be allowed to operate without fear of harassment or censorship. We urge the government and all security agencies to respect press freedom and facilitate unhindered access to information. The Gen Z protests are a wake-up call to the nation. They reflect a generation demanding dignity, justice, and genuine change. The government’s response must be rooted in dialogue, constitutionalism, and respect for human rights—not fear, violence, or repression.
We stand in solidarity with all Kenyans advocating for a better future and call upon all state and non-state actors to protect the civic space and uphold the rights enshrined in our Constitution.
Our Immediate Demands
- Immediate withdrawal and apology for the “shoot to kill” order.
- Halt the deployment of goons and respect the constitutional right to protest. 3. Institute national dialogue forums at county level with youth, civil society, and security agencies.
- Mandatory police training in human rights, trauma awareness, and crowd control. 5. Presidential assurance that protestors will be protected—not persecuted.
The solution lies not in bullets, but in listening. Not in denial, but in dialogue.
Issued by:
Nakuru County Civil Society Organizations & Inuka Kenya ni Sisi
