Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s remarks urging police to shoot anyone approaching stations during protests have raised tension as Kenya grapples with claims of police brutality and deaths linked to ongoing demonstrations.

In a video circulating online, Murkomen told police to act against what he described as arrogance among some protesters who laugh after release from custody.

“The problem that makes police shoot at some point is the arrogance after they are caught and released, they come back laughing saying you never took me anywhere and we have told the police anyone that comes closer to a police station shoot them,” said Murkomen.

Speaking on Spice FM on Friday, June 27, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo accused government leaders of fuelling fear with reckless remarks that could encourage violence.

“When you say shoot and kill if someone is robbed how will they come and report,” observed Maanzo.

Dan Maanzo: When you say shoot and kill if someone is robbed, how will they come and report? There have been very many careless statements which the state needs to rectify, like you will not hand over power, no president has ever served one term, then we will have two terms by… pic.twitter.com/BLJZtgUL2X
— SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) June 27, 2025

He noted leaders have made careless statements about retaining power by any means.

“There have been very many careless statements that the state needs to rectify like you will not hand over power no president has ever served one term then we will have two terms by whatever means,” noted Maanzo.

The senator criticised police and oversight bodies for failing to secure convictions against officers accused of misconduct.

“There has been no goodwill from the government in seeking justice for those affected where police have misbehaved,” explained Maanzo.

Maanzo called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigate deaths reported in Eastern Kenya during protests on Wednesday, June 25, while distancing himself from claims of organising demonstrations.

“I received a call from people purporting to be Gen Z who wanted my support in the demonstration when I realised, they were fake people I ignored them they kept on calling I then blocked their number so I have not sponsored any protest,” noted Maanzo.

This comes as the government confirmed at least 10 people were killed and over 400 injured, including 300 police officers.

Nine police stations were attacked, five torched, while 88 police vehicles, 28 government cars and 65 private vehicles including a school bus were destroyed.

Murkomen alleged some ambulances ferried goons under the guise of medical emergencies and claimed vehicles distributed money to protesters on streets including Muindi Mbingu.

 He insisted police managed the situation without committing excesses despite reports of 16 deaths.

“Any officer accused of brutality during the protests will receive the government’s full support,” Murkomen noted.

Murkomen also urged the Judiciary to reflect on its role and avoid granting lenient bail terms.

“The judiciary has an important responsibility to protect Kenyans some of the protesters are given very favourable bail terms or at times freed on free bond it is time for the Judiciary to decide if they want a country of law and order or anarchy,” explained Murkomen.

Suba Churchill, Executive Director of Kenya National Civil Society Centre, who also spoke on Spice FM, observed that government leaders have made remarks that could escalate tensions.

“Our leaders sometimes speak things that are not sensible and you question if the problem is the leaders or the office when I heard the government spokesperson speak, I knew that Gen Zs are being set up the police are saying this and on the other hand the government spokesman is saying this,” said Churchill.

Churchill expressed disappointment with Murkomen’s remarks, adding he had expected efforts to ease tensions.

“We cannot be in competition with young people who naturally are idealistic very enterprising and a bit disappointed this government seems to treat all Kenyans as children that they know what is good for them and that they have no say and even if you say something they will trash it,” explained Churchill.