Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied reports that he gave  a “shoot-to-kill” directive to the police during this week’s deadly protests.

Speaking during a meeting with security chiefs hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Murkomen said, “I cannot order the IG on anything because the Constitution does not allow me to do so. I did not order the IG to conduct any extrajudicial killings.”

The CS stated that his remarks were taken out of context. “You will not find where I said that a police officer should shoot to kill or take orders from me,” he said.

Murkomen emphasized that he could not issue such directives, citing his legal background. “As a lawyer, I have read the law and I understand what it says,” he added.

However, the CS defended his position, explaining that the law allows police officers to use firearms in self-defense when their lives are in danger.

He referenced the National Police Service Act, Section 1(II), Schedule (6b) I, which authorizes officers to use firearms in situations involving threats to life or serious injury, or to prevent escape during the commission of a felony.

In a statement later Murkomen said ”I have seen debates, reactions, and expressions regarding my recent statement on the use of firearms by police officers. My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law. No leader, scholar, jurist, journalist, blogger, or opinion shaper has challenged me on the law.”

Murkomen says he has never made statements outside the law, insisting, “At my age, position, and experience, I cannot make utterances not backed by the Constitution.”

He challenged those accusing him to produce evidence, insisting he lacks constitutional powers to give such orders. Murkomen defended officers’ right to self-defense, citing attacks on police stations, arson, and theft of firearms.

Murkomen has come under fire for what many interpreted as explicit “shoot-on-sight” orders issued to police against any Kenyan attacking a police station.

He made the controversial remarks on Friday while assessing damage caused by protests earlier in the week and was confronted by Kenyans over his comments.

The CS assured police officers that he would defend any who lawfully used their weapons in the line of duty.