Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent claim that no Kenyan has been killed by police since President William Ruto took office has ignited public outrage and raised serious questions about the accuracy of his statement. Murkomen asserted that since Ruto’s inauguration, no citizens have been killed by police, contrasting it with past incidents where bodies were discovered in rivers like Yala and Tana. His remarks, made during a public address, ignored documented reports by human rights organizations, which have pointed to police involvement in deaths during protests and civil unrest.
According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and other advocacy groups, the period under President Ruto’s leadership has been marred by human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detentions. A report from KHRC, dated October 28, 2024, highlighted the deaths of at least 63 civilians and numerous incidents of police brutality during peaceful protests. Despite mounting evidence, the police have denied any involvement in these killings and disappearances, further fueling public skepticism.
The case of Rex Maasai, who was shot dead during anti-finance bill protests in June 2024, remains under investigation, with police officer Isaiah Murangiri Ndumba named as a suspect. His death, alongside others, stands in stark contrast to Murkomen’s assertions. As of July 2024, at least 61 people were confirmed dead in the protests, with the number likely higher today.
Murkomen also emphasized the need for police independence, claiming that the police force must operate without interference from the president or other government officials. However, his statements seem at odds with the reality of ongoing investigations by agencies like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into police actions.
As the inquest into Maasai’s death continues, the Kenyan public remains divided on whether the government’s narrative on police conduct can be trusted, especially as calls for justice grow louder.
