Aasai

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that he will issue a new national policy directive on the use of force and firearms by police officers this Friday, July 18, 2025. The announcement comes amid growing public outrage and national debate over police brutality during recent anti-government protests, which left dozens dead and hundreds injured.

Addressing the press in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 15, Murkomen said the directive would be issued under Article 245(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants the Interior CS the mandate to provide policy direction to the Inspector General of Police. The policy, he emphasized, will aim to ensure that police actions remain constitutionally sound, humane, and accountable.

“This directive is necessitated by the tragic loss of life, grave injuries, and rising anxiety across the country about the conduct of police officers during public demonstrations. We must protect both public order and human dignity,” said Murkomen. “Going forward, we want to ensure that all officers understand the limits and responsibilities that come with bearing arms and enforcing the law.”

The move follows violent clashes on June 25 and July 7, 2025, which saw nationwide protests turn deadly. According to Murkomen, 42 civilians lost their lives, and nearly 600 people were injured in the unrest — 496 of whom were police officers. The protests, which initially began as peaceful demonstrations against economic hardship and rising taxation, escalated into violent confrontations in several counties.

“The scenes witnessed were heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Murkomen said. “We mourn every single life lost and extend our heartfelt condolences to all affected families. To those who suffered injuries, trauma, or property loss, we say poleni sana.”

Murkomen further condemned the protests, claiming that they had been hijacked by individuals with sinister motives. He described the chaos as organized criminal activity rather than legitimate civic action. “This was not a protest. It was a well-planned, deeply disturbing act of lawlessness meant to destabilize the country and sabotage constitutional order.”

In a strong statement on accountability, the Interior CS said that any police officer found to have used unlawful force will face prosecution. He confirmed that one officer has already been arraigned and is currently facing murder charges in relation to the protest fatalities.

“We will not shield any officer who violates the law or the rights of Kenyans,” Murkomen said. “Our police service must embody discipline, professionalism, and restraint. Misconduct and impunity have no place in our justice system.”

He added that the government is committed to striking a balance between maintaining public order and respecting fundamental freedoms such as the right to peaceful assembly. Murkomen noted that going forward, enhanced training, revised operational guidelines, and stronger oversight will be key pillars in the reform of policing methods.

As the country awaits the release of the policy on Friday, citizens, human rights groups, and international observers are keen to see whether the directive will lead to lasting change in how security agencies handle civil unrest. Many Kenyans have expressed hope that it will mark a turning point in the fight against excessive police violence.

Murkomen concluded his remarks with a pledge that the government remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives, and restoring trust between the public and the police. “Let this be a moment of reform, accountability, and healing,” he said.