Murkomen Urges Police To Exercise Restraint During Saba Saba Protests
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has released a fresh set of instructions to police officers, days after facing a barrage of criticism for remarks interpreted as ‘shoot-to-kill’ instructions.
Murkomen spoke at a Thanksgiving mass at St Augustine Mwanika Catholic Church in Athwana, Tigania West, Meru County, where he discussed the planned Saba Saba demonstrations on July 7.
According to Murkomen, officers are specifically instructed to coexist with people on the street and at police stations.
“We have told our police officers that we want police stations to become an area that unites Police and civilians,” the CS asserted.
The CS stated that while he had no objection to Kenyans enjoying their democratic right to picket, they must do it in a calm and orderly manner.
He stressed that the government has the authority to disperse demonstrations if they become out of control.
We have told our police officers that we want police stations to become an area which unites the police and civilians – CS Murkomen pic.twitter.com/wprlRrXRFW
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) July 6, 2025
He added, “I’ve also told our police officers to be tame and good with civilians. But when it comes to battling goons and those who want to destroy property while killing officers, I’ve instructed them to be ruthless to ensure peace prevails. I know you don’t want a country where an officer is chased away.”
“I urge all people who are calling for protests, whether on Monday or whichever date, you can go picket but do so in peace.”
Murkomen also defended police personnel again, while indirectly criticizing political personalities for allegedly utilizing violence as a political tool.
“All people talk about is what police officers have done or not done. No one talks about those who use violence for politics,” the CS urged.
“It gives police officers a very hard time. I want to ask Kenyans to reject politicians using them for violence.”
The CS’s comments come in the wake of a wave of criticism over previous directives inciting officers to use their firearms if they felt endangered by civilians.
Murkomen then clarified his remarks, stating they were consistent with Section B(1) of the National Police Service Act, which enables officers to use guns in self-defense.
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Despite anxieties about the scheduled Saba Saba rallies, the government maintains that Monday will be a normal working day.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has mandated that all public officials report to work on Monday, July 7, notwithstanding the Saba Saba Day protests that are scheduled to take place in several regions of the country.
Ruku emphasized that all government offices will open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., without exception.
He emphasized that normal working hours will be carefully adhered to, and no excuses relating to the protests will be accepted.
Murkomen Urges Police To Exercise Restraint During Saba Saba Protests
