Raila Slams Murkomen Over ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Remarks as Public Outcry Grows
In a fiery address from his Bondo hometown, ODM leader Raila Odinga lashed out at Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen over what he described as dangerous and unconstitutional “shoot-to-kill” orders given to the police.
The remarks came just days after nationwide Gen Z-led protests, which turned bloody and chaotic, leaving many injured and some dead, reportedly at the hands of the police.
Speaking during a church service, Raila didn’t mince his words.
“Anybody giving instructions to a police officer to shoot anyone who gets near a police station, it’s a big shame. Shame on you,” he declared, his voice thick with emotion.
Raila stressed that no official, however powerful, should endorse extrajudicial killings.
“We should not encourage taking away life in a way that is not constitutional,” he insisted.
“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.”
His passionate statement echoed the sentiments of many Kenyans who have been protesting what they view as rising state brutality.
On Thursday, Murkomen had issued a press statement in the wake of violent protests. During his address, he suggested that police could use firearms if threatened inside police stations. His statement was met with swift backlash online and offline, prompting a clarification.
“My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law,” Murkomen explained.
“No leader, scholar, jurist, journalist, blogger, or opinion shaper has challenged me on the law.”
Despite the explanation, outrage lingers.
Human rights groups have revealed that several protesters were shot and others beaten by officers. Hundreds sustained injuries, and millions worth of property was destroyed.
Raila, while condemning the state’s heavy-handedness, also urged for peaceful protest.
“But at the same time, we condemn the criminals who went to the streets to destroy property and burn a police station,” he stated.
“That is not a solution.”
As Kenya mourns its youth and reckons with its leadership, questions remain: Will accountability follow the bloodshed? Or will more lives be lost before reforms are made?
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Raila Slams Murkomen Over ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Remarks as Public Outcry Grows
