As tensions persist following a week of nationwide protests that left at least eight people dead and more than 400 injured, prominent legal commentator Willis Evans Otieno has delivered a scathing critique of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

In a strongly worded post shared on his account on Sunday, June 29, 2025, on his X account, Otieno accused Murkomen of undermining the judiciary and justifying police brutality during recent demonstrations that have shaken the country.

Barking at judges

Otieno’s post, which quickly gained traction online, painted the CS as a public official who has “reduced himself to barking at judges like a guard dog,” despite his legal background.

“I hope the echoes of your tantrum have died down so we can speak like grown men, though judging from your recent outburst, that may be too generous,” read part of his post.

The remarks came in response to Murkomen’s controversial statements, where he appeared to defend the police’s use of force against demonstrators commemorating the June 25, 2024, protests.

Human rights groups, including the Law Society of Kenya and Amnesty International, have since condemned the state’s response, which reportedly involved the use of live ammunition.

Directive sparks outrage

The controversy intensified on Thursday, June 26, when Murkomen publicly issued a directive widely interpreted as a “shoot-to-kill” order.

“We have directed the police that anyone who dares approach a police station with criminal intent, shoot them,” he stated.

The CS later clarified that the directive applied only to individuals attempting to rob police stations or attack officers and not peaceful protesters. However, legal experts and watchdogs like the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights warned that such statements risked encouraging excessive force.

Otieno’s remarks reflect a broader national frustration, particularly among the youth, over what many perceive as the government’s increasing authoritarianism and disregard for constitutional freedoms.

“You toss legal jargon like confetti, hoping it will distract us from your cowardice,” he wrote. “You confuse government office with divine ordination and public power with personal entitlement.”

Country demanding answers

Otieno’s rebuke also comes amid rising concerns over judicial independence. Chief Justice Martha Koome has in the past cautioned against political attacks on the judiciary, as allegations of “jurispesa” (judicial bribery) continue to surface.

The legal commentator further referenced the June 27 High Court ruling that lifted a government-imposed media ban, tying it to Murkomen’s rhetoric on protest censorship and his branding of demonstrations as “coup attempts.”

He also pointed to the June 17 death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody as a key trigger for the renewed wave of protests. The incident, coupled with growing reports of police brutality, has intensified calls for accountability.

In his parting shot, Otieno stated, “You think titles will save you when history calls? Think again. The people will remember not what you said in press briefings, but what you enabled in silence and smirks.”

His post continues to resonate across social media, amplifying public outcry against impunity and the urgent demand for justice and reform.