LSK Condemns Murkomen’s Shoot-to-Kill Remarks Amid Gen Z Protest Fallout

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sharply criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over comments urging police to shoot civilians who approach police stations during protests. The LSK branded the remarks as “reckless, unconstitutional, and a dangerous nod to extrajudicial killings.”

Murkomen made the statement Thursday in Kikuyu Constituency, a day after nationwide Gen Z-led demonstrations turned deadly. Amnesty International confirmed at least 16 deaths, with hundreds injured, as Kenyans marked the anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests that left over 60 dead.

Speaking in Kiswahili, Murkomen was recorded saying: “We have told police to shoot anyone who approaches a police station,” sparking outrage from parts of the crowd. He later defended the directive, citing threats to public safety and theft of firearms in Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalou.

In response, LSK President Faith Odhiambo stated the CS has no legal authority to issue such an order, warning that any officer who acts on it risks being held personally liable under both Kenyan and international law. She referenced Article 244 of the Constitution and the National Police Service Act, which limit firearm use to imminent life-threatening situations.

Facing backlash, Murkomen later clarified at a police graduation in Kitui that police should only use firearms when lives are in danger, not arbitrarily.

Meanwhile, rights groups and opposition leaders condemned the violent police crackdown on protesters in cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret. A Kenya Power guard was fatally shot, raising further concerns.

As pressure mounts, President Ruto defended security actions, calling the unrest “economic sabotage.” However, the LSK insists Kenya must uphold the rule of law and protect the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37.