A coalition of civil rights organizations has filed a petition at the High Court seeking to have Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen declared unfit to hold public office. This follows his controversial “shoot-to-kill” directive, which has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of inciting police violence.
The petition, dated July 2, 2025, was lodged by the Katiba Institute, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and several other civic bodies. They argue that Murkomen’s remarks violate constitutional ethics and endanger public safety, especially in the context of rising police brutality during recent protests.
CIVIL SOCIETY: MURKOMEN BREACHED PUBLIC ETHICS AND CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY
In a joint statement, the petitioners accused the CS of promoting unlawful violence by directing police officers to shoot any individual who approaches a police station or threatens an officer’s safety. They contend that such incendiary instructions amount to incitement to violence under Article 33 of the Constitution, and violate the values enshrined in Article 10 and Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity.
“The CS encouraged the excessive and unconstitutional use of force and failed in his ethical obligation to safeguard human rights,” read the statement.
The groups cited a 2022 High Court ruling that explicitly prohibited the use of firearms to protect property if alternative, non-lethal options exist — especially in the context of peaceful protests.
ACTIVISTS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR POLICE ABUSES
The petition also seeks to hold Murkomen personally accountable for any deaths or injuries caused by police officers after June 26, 2025, allegedly in response to his directive. The date marks the peak of public demonstrations and unrest during which multiple cases of police aggression were reported.
Murkomen’s remarks, which he later claimed were taken out of context, were delivered in the aftermath of the June 25 anti-government protests, during which the CS toured Nairobi’s downtown alongside police commanders to assess damages.
Though he insisted that his call was for officers to defend themselves from lethal threats, critics from across the political and legal spectrum slammed the comments as reckless and dangerous.
MORE LEGAL CHALLENGES LOOM FOR MURKOMEN
This petition adds to a growing list of legal troubles facing the CS. Just days earlier, on June 30, a concerned Kenyan citizen filed a complaint through the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) seeking to have Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki struck off the roll of advocates.
The complainant claimed both leaders had violated their constitutional oaths and betrayed their professional obligations as lawyers by endorsing unlawful force and undermining the Bill of Rights.
