Odinga condemns Murkomen over alleged police ‘shoot-to-kill’ orders
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Edmond Khaemba
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over what he called unconstitutional “shoot-to-kill” orders reportedly given to police during recent nationwide protests.
Odinga’s remarks came during a church service in his hometown, following days of Gen Z-led demonstrations across the country that turned violent, resulting in injuries and fatalities, June 30.
“Anybody giving instructions to a police officer to shoot anyone who gets near a police station, it’s a big shame. Shame on you,” Odinga said, visibly emotional.
He emphasized that no government official has the right to endorse extrajudicial killings. “We should not encourage taking away life in a way that is not constitutional,” he said. “If someone has committed a crime, that person should be subjected to the law and taken to court. If the court finds him guilty, sentence him.”
Odinga’s condemnation reflects growing public outcry over police violence amid what many Kenyans view as an escalation in state repression.
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