Opposition Demands Murkomen Resign or Face Impeachment Over 'Shoot-to-Kill' Remarks

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, is under growing pressure to resign or face impeachment after issuing a controversial “shoot-to-kill” directive to police officers.

The call for his removal came as opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, visited the family of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker reportedly killed during last week’s anti-government protests.

“Mr Murkomen, the least you can do is resign,” Wamalwa told reporters in Githurai on Sunday. “We fully support the impeachment motion, and we urge all opposition MPs to rally behind it.”

The backlash stems from Murkomen’s public remarks last week during a tour of Nairobi’s Central Business District, following violent demonstrations on June 25 that left multiple people dead and dozens injured. In a widely shared video, Murkomen instructed police officers to shoot anyone attempting to storm police stations, saying bluntly:

“Anyone approaching a police station, shoot them. A gun is not a toy.”

Opposition Accuses CS of Overreach

The remarks have triggered outrage across the political divide, with critics saying the directive was unconstitutional and reckless.

“Is this what you call doing a good job—shooting young people in the streets?” Wamalwa asked. “This is not law enforcement; it is murder.”

Kalonzo Musyoka, speaking at the same event, warned that such orders undermine public trust and escalate state violence. He demanded President William Ruto hold his Cabinet accountable.

Murkomen’s directive followed days of unrest led by Gen Z protesters, who had taken to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2025. Several demonstrations turned violent, with widespread reports of police brutality, forced disappearances, and looting.

Impeachment Motion Gathers Steam

While the impeachment motion is yet to be formally tabled in Parliament, MPs aligned with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)—a faction associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—say the wheels are already in motion.

“The Interior CS has overstepped his mandate. He cannot issue orders that violate the Constitution,” said Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta. “This House must stand up for the people.”

Murkomen has not responded directly to the impeachment calls, but government sources have defended the remarks, suggesting they were aimed at deterring attacks on police installations.

Public Outcry and Rising Tension

The uproar comes amid growing concerns about the government’s handling of dissent and rising insecurity. Human rights groups have accused authorities of cracking down on peaceful protesters, with dozens still missing or hospitalised.

Pressure is now building on President Ruto to act. Critics say the administration is leaning too heavily on force to silence discontent, especially among Kenya’s youth, who are increasingly vocal about economic hardships and political exclusion.

As the calls for accountability grow louder, the coming week in Parliament may prove pivotal—not just for Murkomen’s future, but for the direction of state power and civil liberties in Kenya.