Ruto Backs Murkomen's 'Shoot To Kill' Remarks, Gives Fresh Orders To Police
Similarly, the Head of State has issued a firm directive for a nationwide crackdown targeting individuals who assaulted police officers during the June 25 protests.
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto has backed sentiments by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen regarding police resorting to using force against protesters who threaten their lives, including "shoot-to-kill" as previously ordered by the CS.
Similarly, the Head of State has issued a firm directive for a nationwide crackdown targeting individuals who assaulted police officers during the June 25 protests.
While addressing regional and county security chiefs, along with National Government Administration Officers at State House, Nairobi, the President denounced the violent escalation of the demonstrations and pledged to shield law enforcement officers from attacks by criminal elements.
In response to these concerns, President Ruto has directed that individuals who assaulted police officers during the protests be immediately arrested and prosecuted.
President William Ruto with police bosses at State House, Nairobi on June 28, 2025. /PCS
"We cannot have a country where criminals run after our police officers. If a policeman’s life is in danger, then how can our families be safe? This trend must change," he stated.
"The criminals who attacked our officers and destroyed property in the Wednesday mayhem will be held to account. We will stand by every man and woman in uniform and protect them as they discharge their duties."
President Ruto stated that this was the only way to create a safer and more stable environment in which meaningful development could take place.
Murkomen On The Spotlight
His remarks aligned with those of the Interior Cabinet Secretary, who had characterised the protests as politically driven efforts to destabilise the nation and urged action against those inciting unrest.
Murkomen denounced the violence and defended the use of force by police officers, arguing that they have the right to protect themselves from criminals targeting them.
The Interior CS sparked mixed reactions after issuing a shoot-to-kill directive for police officers confronting criminals attempting to raid police stations to steal firearms.
“This gun you’ve been given here, I wasn’t given it, and you weren’t given it for decoration. If someone tries to come to the police station to take guns or to attack you, they want to take your life, save yourself first,” the CS told the police.
Amidst public backlash from Kenyans and bodies that include the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, who termed the statement as reckless and permission for extrajudicial killings to be carried out by officers, Murkomen did clarify his remarks during a graduation ceremony in Kanyonyo, Kitui County, on Friday, June 27 by saying his remarks were taken out of context.
"We have not said that they (the guns) should be used recklessly. We are just trying to defend the police officers whose lives could be at risk," the Interior CS said, adding, "This is because some police officers currently fear using the guns because they do not want to go to jail, but what if they lose their lives to criminals?"
These directives come amid complaints from police that their lives are at risk, with officers being targeted during protests. Data from the Interior Ministry indicates that 300 police officers and 100 civilians sustained injuries during the June 25 commemorative demonstrations.
