Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a blistering attack on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, condemning his controversial directive urging police to shoot anyone who approaches a police station during public protests.
In a televised interview on Friday night, Gachagua described Murkomen as “a young, excited CS full of himself because of money and power,” accusing him of reckless behavior that could lead to the loss of innocent lives and legal peril for police officers. The outspoken former DP said Murkomen’s comments were not only unconstitutional but could incite unlawful killings.
“He cannot give instructions to shoot and kill. When he was in the Senate, he acknowledged the independence of the National Police Service. Now he wants to command them like private guards,” Gachagua said on NTV.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party leader claimed he had earlier opposed Murkomen’s appointment as Interior CS, citing his lack of experience and temperament. “I told President Ruto that this job requires someone mature someone who can manage the security docket with calmness and insight,” he said.
Gachagua warned police officers not to blindly follow unlawful instructions from senior government officials, referencing the case of Albert Ojwang, a civilian whose death led to the prosecution of several police officers. “Murkomen says he’ll protect officers, but that’s a lie. When things go wrong, you’ll face murder charges alone while those who gave the orders disappear,” he warned.
He further emphasized that police stations are public spaces and that civilians have a right to access them. “Even in high-security zones like State House or the Department of Defence, you do not shoot civilians. You arrest them if necessary, but you don’t kill,” he said.
Gachagua’s sharp criticism comes amid growing tension between security agencies and civil society over the handling of recent protests. His remarks also reflect deepening rifts within Kenya Kwanza’s top leadership as public dissent grows.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on President Ruto’s administration to rein in inflammatory rhetoric and uphold the rule of law.
