Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has raised eyebrows after appearing to support Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen amid widespread criticism over a controversial “shoot-to-kill” directive issued during the recent nationwide protests. While Sudi hasn’t directly endorsed the policy, his staunch defense of Murkomen against political critics suggests alignment with the embattled CS.
Highlights
- Oscar Sudi has defended Murkomen against political attacks but hasn’t directly addressed the shoot-to-kill order.
- The remarks follow Murkomen’s controversial directive issued during the June 25 protests.
- Critics accuse Murkomen of encouraging excessive police force.
- Sudi’s comments have fueled speculation of internal UDA alignment on the issue.
Main Story
As public anger simmers over Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s order authorizing police to shoot suspected attackers during protests, Oscar Sudi has entered the fray—not to condemn, but to defend. In a recent video, Sudi accused fellow politicians, particularly Senator Samson Cherargei, of unfairly targeting Murkomen, suggesting that such criticism is politically motivated and indirectly aimed at President Ruto.
Sudi’s approach appears more focused on party loyalty than policy critique. By framing attacks on Murkomen as attacks on the presidency, he shifts attention away from the substance of Murkomen’s remarks and toward political unity within the ruling UDA coalition.
This has led to criticism from civil society groups who argue that leaders should prioritize accountability and human rights over internal party defense.
Murkomen’s directive, issued during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, has been labeled dangerous by rights groups, lawyers, and opposition leaders. While some government allies have downplayed the order as a misquote or legal under self-defense provisions, the broader concern remains—whether high-ranking leaders are normalizing deadly force in civilian settings.
Sudi’s decision to publicly back Murkomen, even without explicitly addressing the directive, adds a political dimension to an already sensitive national debate.
Oscar Sudi may not have pulled the trigger on policy—but by standing behind Murkomen in this moment, he’s signaled where his loyalty lies in Kenya’s growing battle between security and civil rights.
