A day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was quoted as directing the police to “shoot-to-kill” against civilians who attack police stations, sparking uproar in the country, Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Opondo Kaluma has come to his defence.

In a statement on Saturday, June 28, 2025, the vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker asked the CS not to apologise over the sentiments.

Kaluma backed Murkomen, indicating that the police should not stand by when assaulted or when property is being looted or destroyed.

“Don’t apologise for restating the law,” Kaluma stated.

Adding, “Police officers should neither be assaulted nor stand by as other persons are attacked, property looted or destroyed. In these instances, the law permits the police to shoot!”

“It was sad watching a police officer being assaulted while in uniform and other officers running away with the guns – unlawful! Why do Police carry guns if not to use them where necessary?” the MP further stated.

Murkomen’s clarity

This was after Murkomen responded to former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, stating that he did not issue the shoot-to-kill order.

Kivutha confronted Murkomen, maintaining that he did not teach him that in law school.

“Do you know, ⁦@InteriorKE⁩, that due to your shoot-live to murder command, you will now and in the future be held accountable for every extrajudicial extermination, Officer of the Court? @LawSocietyofKe. How was I your teacher at UoN, Law?” Kibwana posed.

Murkomen responded, “I merely restated the law that you participated in its formulation. As you may recall, the sixth schedule of the National Police Service Act in Paragraph B (1) provides the conditions for use of a firearm, which include the protection of the lives of officers or civilians; the protection of property; and self-defense against threats of death or serious injury, among others.”

My good teacher&friend, where did I issue a "shoot -live to murder command"? Having been your good student, I know better than to make unfounded statements.

I merely restated the law that you participated in its formulation. As you may recall the sixth schedule of the National… https://t.co/xpGdR1Amo5

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) June 28, 2025

Murkomen had earlier stated that he does not have the authority to direct the police, adding that were made with the provisions of law in mind.

He cited the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act, which dictates the conditions for use of firearms by a police officer, including to protect lives or property or self-defence.

“My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law. No leader, scholar, jurist, journalist, blogger, or opinion shaper has challenged me on the law,” Murkomen noted.

“At my age, position, and experience, I cannot utter statements that are not supported by the Constitution and the law. Throughout my career, I have never, in my conduct or utterances, found myself on the wrong side of the law.”