Nominated Senator Veronica Maina has warned police officers against executing unlawful orders during protests, saying the law holds them individually accountable for decisions made in the line of duty.
Her remarks come amid growing public outrage over President William Ruto’s “shoot on the leg” order and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s “shoot to kill” directive, both of which have sparked national concern over potential misuse by security officers.
While leaders have defended the remarks as targeting violent goons infiltrating peaceful demonstrations, rights groups and ordinary Kenyans fear the directives could easily be turned against innocent protesters or even bystanders.
Maina, a lawyer by profession, placed the responsibility squarely on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, stressing that he cannot hide behind political figures.
According to her, the IG, under the Constitution, is independent in terms of operations, while the Interior CS can only issue directives on policy.
Therefore, if any harm arises from implementing the “shoot to maim” order, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) would hold the IG responsible.
“If the IG and the officers understand their role and responsibility, they would know that they can’t take cover by claiming to have implemented an order because they had a directive from a certain individual,” she added.
The Senator’s warning follows protests held on June 25 and during the Saba Saba demonstrations on July 7, which left widespread destruction, and more tragically, claimed over 42 lives.
According to her, the time has come for a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue to ease current tensions, warning that the protest trend is dangerous for the country.
“Article 37 was meant to give the citizens an opportunity to express and resolve their grievances in a peaceful manner that respects the rights of other Kenyans. What we’ve seen with Saba Saba and June 25 is not an exercise of Article 37. It morphed into something else,” said Maina, adding, “June 25 was very risky for this country; we should not allow it.”
