Katiba Institute wants Murkomen held liable for police shooting since June 2025 declaration

In an amended petition filed before the court, Katiba Institute seeks orders declaring that Murkomen's statements to police officers, in which he allegedly told them that their guns were "not toys" and directed them to shoot anyone approaching a police station or otherwise threatening the life of an officer, violated the Constitution and endangered fundamental rights and freedoms.

The institute argues that the Cabinet Secretary acted outside his constitutional mandate by purporting to direct police officers in the execution of their duties, contrary to provisions that place the command of the National Police Service under the Inspector-General of Police.

Among the key orders sought, the petitioners want the court to find Murkomen personally liable for harm arising from the alleged constitutional violations and unlawful use of force by police officers.

They are also seeking incidental, consequential, general and aggravated damages for all individuals who have died or suffered serious injuries as a result of police action from June 26, 2025, until the Cabinet Secretary publicly retracts and clarifies the impugned remarks.

Katiba Institute further wants the court to compel Murkomen to issue public retractions through newspapers, television broadcasts and a press conference, all at his personal expense.

The petitioners say the retractions should clearly explain the legal limits governing the use of force and firearms by police officers as established by the courts.

The rights group is also seeking a structural injunction requiring Murkomen to file a compliance report before the court within 30 days of judgment and to demonstrate the steps taken to comply with any orders issued.

Additionally, the petition seeks declarations that the Cabinet Secretary's remarks violated constitutional principles of leadership, integrity and accountability, demeaned the office he holds, and breached the oath of office taken by Cabinet Secretaries.

The petitioners have also asked the court to order Murkomen to personally bear the costs of the proceedings despite the case having been brought in the public interest.

The amended petition is dated May 19, 2026, and is being pursued by advocate Kevin Walumbe on behalf of the petitioners.