Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has strongly cautioned Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen over what he termed as the issuance of illegal and divisive directives.
Mwangangi raised concern about Murkomen’s recent remarks allegedly authorizing security officers to “shoot to kill violent individuals approaching police stations.”
“Whenever Murkomen speaks, Kenyans become more resistant to the government. Why would you appreciate the police for being rogue? Is it right for them to kill our youthful Kenyans?” He pointed out.
CS Mukromen remarks came on Friday afternoon during a graduation ceremony in Kanyonyo, Kitui County following the June 25 protests that rocked the country in which some government installations were attacked by angry demonstrators, with some even set ablaze prompting the CS’s fury.
Meanwhile Mwangangi said such orders are unconstitutional and risk deepening divisions in an already polarized nation.”Please, as leaders, let us be mindful of what we say. Our words should unite Kenyans, not divide them,” Mwangangi urged.
The Deputy Governor also condemned what he described as the selective application of the law by the state pointing to the summoning of DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua while pro-government figures accused of similar or worse conduct remain untouched.”Let’s not have selective application of the law,” he added.
The DG while backing wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential ambition to restore constitutionalism, criticized the CS move of defending police officers who he praised for their restraint despite the deaths reported during the June 25th demonstrations.
Despite later clarifying his remarks and stating that police officers were well-trained and aware of their role, the under-fire CS faces criticism from human rights activists, religious leaders, the Law Society of Kenya opposition leaders among other Kenyans who view them as reckless
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