In a video clip that has gone viral a police officer responds to Interior CS Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen’s shoot-to-kill order on civilians approaching a police station during protests.
The officer says in Swahili unatudanganya ( meaning – you are misleading us) implying once they’ve shot the unarmed protestors they end up in court alone facing the consequences of their actions while the CS enjoys a good time at home.
Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent controversial remarks giving security officers a green light to shoot anyone who appears to be a threat near police stations or government institutions has drawn widespread criticism.
The directive “If you see anyone approaching a police station during protests just shoot” was met by boos from the audience and has since formed part of the ongoing debate on police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
“How many will we kill if they come to the police station?” the officer retorts, adding “Blood is thicker than water. Police are also human.”
The officer was quick to clarify that his statement was not in support of chaos or lawlessness, but rather a call for humane and lawful policing.
He warned that blindly following such orders would only lead individual officers into legal jeopardy. “You’ll kill people and face the court alone, while the CS will be resting comfortably at his home,” he said.
He lamented that the treatment of civilians by some police officers has created deep mistrust, stating, “We have treated people so badly that they now see us like animals. There is no respect left for us.”
The officer called on fellow law enforcers to uphold the law and protect citizens without violating their rights. “Let’s protect the country in accordance with the law,” he concludes.
The video clip is an eyeopener on the growing discomfort within the police force amid public unrest and political tension following protests that were sparked off by the 2024 Finance Bill.
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