Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued his inaugural policy directive on police use of force and firearms.
Addressing the media after a courtesy call on Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit on Friday, at his office in Maralal, the CS announced the issuance of the policy that aims to give guidance on the use of force and firearms by the police across the Republic.
“I have issued a policy directive on the use of force and firearms pursuant to Article 245(4) of the Constitution, the National Police Service (NPS) Act and the court decisions to the Inspector General of Police,” said the CS.
He continued, “I have dispatched the policy to the IG detailing the recommendations to use force factoring in the prevailing legal framework and court decisions.”
Speaking at the start of the Jukwaa la Usalama, Samburu Edition, to discuss security concerns and service delivery to locals, Mr Murkomen noted that this was his inaugural policy since he assumed office at the security docket.
“This will dictate the use of force and firearms anywhere in protecting self and the public and securing the nation,“ the CS explained.
“IG will now cascade the same to his officers. This matter has elicited public discourse, and it’s now a policy on paper that the public can now hold me to account, and it’s legally binding.”
He explained that despite the existence of the Constitution and the subsidiary laws, the policy aims to address the gaps in law.
The policy unveiled amid growing concerns over police brutality and ongoing murder charges against several officers, outlines specific instances where the use of force is permitted.
It also recognises the General powers of police officers under Section 49 of the National Police Service Act as to the use of
discretion in policing considering any relevant policing codes, guidance, policies and procedures.
Read the policy Policy Directive No. 1 of 2025
