Murkomen Issues Fresh Orders To Police Officers Over Firearms Use
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued new directions to police regarding shooting, particularly during protests, encouraging them to display caution and minimize their use of guns when dealing with demonstrators.
Murkomen directed the cops to use force and firearms only in accordance with the law and the relevant policy directives.
The CS spoke while issuing Policy Directive No.1 of 2025 on the Use of Force and Firearms.
The CS directed that law enforcement officers use force or guns against people only in self-defense or to defend others from an imminent threat of death or serious injury.
USE OF FORCE AND FIREARMS
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) July 18, 2025
CS Murkomen issues a policy directive on the use of force and firearms pursuant to Article 245(4) of the Constitution, the National Police Service (NPS) Act and the court decisions to the Inspector General of Police. #KBCniYetu ^RW pic.twitter.com/HF6UBWnvtI
“The officers, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and/or firearms,” the policy directive stated.
“Any use of force must be lawful, proportionate and reasonable in the circumstances to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective,” it added.
During protests, Murkomen ruled that a police officer may use a firearm against a person unless the officer has reasonable reasons to believe the individual is committing or about to commit a crime.
And only if the conduct is likely to jeopardize the officer’s life or cause serious injury to another person, and there is no other way to avoid the risk.
Even so, Murkomen argued that officers had the right to defend themselves against unlawful physical aggression.
POLICY DIRECTIVE NO. 1 OF 2025 ON CONDITIONS AS TO THE USE OF FORCE AND FIREARMS BY POLICE pic.twitter.com/1igHj2SE2Z
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) July 18, 2025
He referenced the concept of proportionality, which in this case refers to the amount of force that is proportionate to the threat posed and no more than is required to achieve a valid policing goal.
“In determining the proportionality of force to apply, the officers shall consider: the person’s behaviour and their level of resistance, if the person refuses to comply or exhibits body language indicating non-compliance, any assault where there exists the possibility of great bodily harm or death of the officers,” noted the CS.
Murkomen advised the officers of four conditions to follow if they had to use force.
ALSO READ:
- Ruto To Partly Fund Dangote-Linked Oil Refinery Using Infrastructure Fund
- Anger, Grief After County CEC’s Murder At His Home
- SHA Introduces MAJOR Changes On Benefits Package
- Ruto Assents THREE Major Bills To Law, Targets Reform & Investment Boost
- Kenya Railways Issue Fresh Insight To 80-Year-Old Tenant’s Eviction Saga
He advised the police to use caution in such situations, acting in accordance with the gravity of the offense and the legitimate goal to be attained, minimizing damage and harm, and respecting and preserving human life.
He also urged them to provide immediate assistance and medical treatment to any injured or afflicted persons, as well as notify the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) as soon as feasible.
The CS directed that force never be used as an extrajudicial punishment.
He also added that no additional force was lawful when a suspect was safely and lawfully detained.
Murkomen Issues Fresh Orders To Police Officers Over Firearms Use
