Murkomen: We’re committed to transforming NPS into disciplined institution

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the National Police Service amid growing public outrage over remarks he made last week that were widely interpreted as justifying the use of lethal force by police during protests.

Murkomen has since sought to clarify his position, saying he had not issued a shoot-to-kill directive but had only explained what the law allows in specific circumstances involving threats to life.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Potential Instructors Course at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus, Murkomen reaffirmed the government's commitment to institute reforms in the police service.

 “We are committed to transforming the National Police Service into a more professional, disciplined, and service-oriented institution,” he said.

"We aim to build public trust and ensure responsive and effective policing for all Kenyans through continuous professional development and training.

His remarks come in the wake of national protests against police brutality, during which several civilians were shot dead.

State-sponsored Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) put the death toll at 19 in its preliminary report, saying it would issue a more detailed report later.

The deaths sparked widespread condemnation and reignited debate on the limits of police force during crowd control.

Murkomen’s earlier comments appeared to defend the police response, prompting backlash from civil society, religious leaders, and a section of lawmakers.

At Tuesday's event, Murkomen shifted tone, spotlighting ongoing reforms in police training aimed at equipping officers with modern skills and a service-first mindset.

The Potential Instructors Course, he noted, is designed to prepare officers to handle emerging security challenges, including the integration of technology in policing.

"The course also covers leadership and management, communication, community policing and other key competencies to enhance their professionalism and service delivery,” he added.

Murkomen was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration Police) Gilbert Masengeli and National Police College Embakasi A Campus Commandant Davies Lomwatu.

The Interior CS's latest remarks appear to be a calculated effort to steer public discourse back to the government’s police reform agenda.

However, critics maintain that without a clear shift in police accountability mechanisms and justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, public trust will remain elusive.