Condemning The “Shoot To Kill” Order – A Call For Constitutionality, Humanity, And Dialogue

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; 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.
  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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 

  1. Immediate withdrawal and apology for the “shoot to kill” order. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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

Police Conduct During Today’s Protest Undermines Constitutional Rights And Democratic Values

Police Conduct During Today’s Protest Undermines Constitutional Rights And Democratic Values

Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! strongly condemns the unlawful and excessive use of force by the National Police Service (NPS) during today’s peaceful protests held in Nairobi and other parts of the country. We are deeply disturbed by credible reports and footage showing officers using live ammunition, tear gas, and batons against unarmed civilians, many of them youth- who were exercising their constitutional right to assemble and express themselves peacefully. 

This conduct is a blatant violation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Specifically: 

  • Article 37 guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities, peacefully and unarmed. 
  • Article 33 upholds the right to freedom of expression. 
  • Article 238(2)(b) provides that national security must be pursued in compliance with the law, with utmost respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. 
  • Article 244 obligates the National Police Service to “comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms” and to “strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.” 

The deployment of brute force against protesters,many of whom were peacefully calling for transparency and accountability, is not only unconstitutional but also immoral. Instead of protecting lives and upholding public safety, the police have once again chosen intimidation, violence, and suppression as tools of engagement. 

We are further concerned by the NPS’s failure to prevent or arrest individuals identified as “goons” who allegedly infiltrated protests with crude weapons, as mentioned in the police’s own press statement. This selective enforcement raises serious questions about possible complicity or negligence by security agencies. Peaceful protesters were met with violence, while those allegedly armed were left unbothered-why?

We therefore make the following demands: 

  1. Immediate public release of the names of officers involved in today’s shooting and use of force. 2. We demand the arraignment of the shooter officer of the mask seller in court tomorrow. 
  2. Independent investigations by IPOA and KNCHR into police conduct during the protests. 4. We demand the resignation of IG Kanja for gross incompetence 
  3. Full respect for the Constitution and cessation of the use of live rounds and unlawful crowd-control measures. 
  4. We demand the arrest and prosecution of DIG Lagat and all officers involved, in any way, in the murder of Albert Ojwang. 

Kenyans are not criminals for demanding justice. Peaceful protest is not a crime. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it is the supreme law of the land. 

We remind the police that they serve the people, not power. 

Signed by, 

Dr. Kawive Wambua