Why kipchumba murkomen - shoot to kill orders are illegal and dangerous

Condemning Kipchumba Murkomen’s Shoot-to-Kill Orders: A Violation of Kenya’s Constitution and Human Rights

By Dr Saddam Kenya | June 28, 2025

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent directive authorizing police to “shoot to kill” anyone approaching police stations during protests has sparked widespread outrage across Kenya. These statements, made in the context of the June 25, 2025, Gen Z-led protests commemorating the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, are not only reckless but also unconstitutional and a gross violation of human rights. As Kenya grapples with escalating tensions under President William Ruto’s administration, Murkomen’s remarks threaten to plunge the nation into further chaos, undermining the rule of law and the democratic principles enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. This article examines why these directives are illegal, referencing the Constitution of Kenya, relevant legal acts, and international doctrines, while calling for accountability and justice.

The Context: Murkomen’s Dangerous Rhetoric Amid Gen Z Protests

On June 26, 2025, Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, issued a chilling directive to police officers, stating, “Anyone who comes near a police station, shoot them.” This statement followed nationwide protests led by Gen Zs, marking the anniversary of the 2024 demonstrations that saw over 60 deaths due to police brutality. Murkomen’s remarks, described as an “order from above,” were made in the presence of senior police officials, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and have been widely condemned by human rights groups, political leaders, and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) as a dangerous escalation of state violence.

[](https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/594298-kipchumba-murkomen-police-shoot-kill-orders-protesting-stations/)[](https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001522844/guns-are-not-decorations-murkomen-gives-police-license-to-kill)[](https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/594298-kipchumba-murkomen-police-shoot-kill-orders-protesting-stations/)

These protests, driven by Kenya’s youth, reflect deep-seated frustration with William Ruto’s government, accused of imposing punitive taxes, failing to deliver on job creation promises, and endorsing police brutality. The Gen Z movement, leaderless and organized via social media platforms like X, has demanded accountability and an end to authoritarian governance. Murkomen’s shoot-to-kill order, rather than addressing these grievances, signals a shift toward repression over dialogue, further alienating the youth and threatening Kenya’s democratic fabric.

Violation of the Kenyan Constitution

Murkomen’s directive blatantly violates several provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which is the supreme law of the land. Below are key articles that render his statements illegal:

• Article 26: Right to Life – This article guarantees every person the right to life, stating that “no one shall be deprived of life intentionally, except to the extent authorized by this Constitution or other written law.” Murkomen’s blanket authorization for lethal force against protesters, without specifying imminent threats or legal justification, contravenes this fundamental right. The use of lethal force must be proportionate and necessary, as established in court rulings like Republic v Inspector General of Police & Others (2014).
• Article 37: Right to Assembly, Demonstration, and Petition – This article protects the right of every person to “peaceably and unarmed, assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities.” Murkomen’s directive criminalizes peaceful protests near police stations, effectively stifling this constitutional right. The Gen Z protests, marked by symbolic acts like waving branches, were largely peaceful until met with police violence.
[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjwn257j7y2o)
• Article 49: Rights of Arrested Persons – Murkomen’s remarks undermine due process by encouraging extrajudicial killings, bypassing the rights of arrested persons to fair treatment and a trial. His claim that police should shoot to prevent “arrogance” from released protesters mocks the judicial process and Article 49’s protections.
• Article 244: National Police Service – This article mandates the National Police Service to uphold human rights, maintain professionalism, and ensure accountability. Murkomen’s directive, which endorses lethal force without oversight, contradicts this mandate and fuels impunity within the police force.

Legal Acts Contravened by Murkomen’s Directive

Beyond the Constitution, Murkomen’s statements violate several Kenyan laws designed to regulate the use of force and protect citizens:

• National Police Service Act, 2011 – Section 61 of this Act requires police officers to use force only when strictly necessary and proportionate to the threat. Murkomen’s blanket shoot-to-kill order disregards this principle, encouraging indiscriminate violence. The Act also mandates accountability for excessive force, which Murkomen undermines by promising to defend officers who kill protesters.
[](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/26/vhte-j26.html)
• Public Order Act, Cap 56 – This Act governs public assemblies and requires police to facilitate peaceful protests, not suppress them with lethal force. Murkomen’s directive to shoot protesters near police stations violates this law, as it fails to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and violent actors.
• Penal Code, Cap 63 – Section 200 of the Penal Code criminalizes incitement to violence. Murkomen’s public call for police to shoot protesters could be construed as incitement, exposing him to legal liability.

International Doctrines and Obligations Violated

Murkomen’s directive also contravenes international human rights standards to which Kenya is a signatory. These include:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948 – Article 3 guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of person. Murkomen’s order, which endorses extrajudicial killings, violates this principle.
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 1966 – Article 6 protects the right to life, while Article 21 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. Kenya, as a party to the ICCPR, is obligated to ensure these rights are upheld, not suppressed through lethal force.
• UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, 1990 – These principles stipulate that lethal force should only be used as a last resort when there is an imminent threat to life. Murkomen’s blanket directive fails to meet this threshold, promoting disproportionate and unnecessary violence.
• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1981 – Articles 4 and 11 protect the right to life and the right to assemble freely. Murkomen’s statements undermine Kenya’s commitments under this charter, exposing the country to regional and international condemnation.

Timeline of Kenya’s 2025 Protests

• June 24, 2025: President William Ruto backs police ahead of Gen Z protests, defending their role in maintaining law and order.
[](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/ruto-backs-police-ahead-of-gen-z-protests-anniversary-5093756)
• June 25, 2025: Nationwide protests erupt to commemorate the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. At least 16 people are killed, and over 400 are injured, including 300 police officers.
[](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/25/rqnt-j25.html)
• June 26, 2025: Murkomen issues shoot-to-kill orders, sparking outrage from human rights groups and political leaders.
[](https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/594298-kipchumba-murkomen-police-shoot-kill-orders-protesting-stations/)
• June 27, 2025: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemns Murkomen and Ruto, alleging state-sponsored violence.
[](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/gachagua-what-went-wrong-on-june-25-ruto-murkomen-blame-5098530)

The Broader Implications: A Threat to Democracy

Murkomen’s shoot-to-kill directive is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of authoritarianism under William Ruto’s administration. The government’s response to Gen Z protests—marked by teargas, live ammunition, and media blackouts—reflects a deliberate strategy to suppress dissent. By labeling protests a “coup attempt,” Murkomen seeks to criminalize legitimate political expression, a tactic reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.

[](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1jd8enywplt)[](https://peopledaily.digital/insights/cs-murkomens-threats-an-assault-on-democracy)

“Murkomen’s remarks are a dangerous escalation in the Ruto administration’s assault on constitutional freedoms and democratic expression.” – People Daily [](https://peopledaily.digital/insights/cs-murkomens-threats-an-assault-on-democracy)

The directive also undermines judicial independence, as Murkomen criticized courts for granting bail to protesters, accusing them of fostering “anarchy.” This attack on the judiciary, coupled with promises to shield police from accountability, erodes the rule of law and emboldens impunity. Human rights groups like Amnesty International have reported that families of protest victims are being pressured to bury loved ones without post-mortems, further concealing police excesses.

[](https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001522849/murkomens-shoot-to-kill-remarks-raise-tension-amid-police-brutality-claims)[](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/26/vhte-j26.html)

Call to Action: Demanding Accountability

Kipchumba Murkomen’s shoot-to-kill orders are a grave violation of Kenya’s Constitution, local laws, and international human rights standards. They represent a dangerous precedent that threatens the lives of Gen Zs and other Kenyans exercising their democratic rights. As citizens, we must demand:

• Retraction of the Directive: Murkomen must publicly withdraw his statements and apologize for inciting violence.
• Independent Investigations: The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must investigate police actions during the June 25 protests and hold officers accountable for excessive force.
• Judicial Protection: The judiciary must uphold its independence and protect the rights of protesters against state intimidation.
• Dialogue with Gen Zs: President William Ruto must engage in meaningful dialogue with Kenya’s youth to address their grievances, rather than resorting to repression.

The Gen Z movement has shown that Kenya’s youth are a force for change, demanding accountability and justice. As Dr Saddam Kenya, I stand in solidarity with them, urging all Kenyans to reject Murkomen’s unlawful directive and defend our constitutional rights. Let us unite to protect our democracy and ensure that no more lives are lost to state-sponsored violence.

Share this article to raise awareness about police brutality and the fight for justice in Kenya. Join the conversation on X using #RutoMustGo and #GenZProtests.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs After One Day and One Month

Pregnancy Signs After One Day and One Month

Many women want to recognize signs of pregnancy as early as possible so they can take necessary steps. That’s why understanding 1-day pregnancy signs, 1-week pregnancy signs, and especially 1-month pregnancy signs is crucial for women who care about their reproductive health.

Pregnancy signs after one day are hard to detect, but some women might notice very slight body changes due to conception.

Pregnancy Signs After One Day

• Slight increase in body temperature
• Frequent urination
• Sudden fatigue
• Mild abdominal cramps (implantation cramps)
• Light spotting (implantation bleeding)
• Heightened sense of smell

1-day pregnancy signs can’t be confirmed without an hCG test but help in tracking body changes.

Pregnancy Signs After One Week

1-week pregnancy signs start showing gradually. These are among the earliest signs of pregnancy.

• Morning sickness
• Food aversions or cravings
• Breast tenderness or fullness
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Light vaginal discharge

Pregnancy Signs After One Month

1-month pregnancy signs are more apparent. At this stage, pregnancy hormones have increased enough to cause clear physical and emotional changes.

Signs of pregnancy after one month often resemble PMS but are more intense and long-lasting.

• Missed period
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Mood swings and emotional sensitivity
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Bloating or abdominal fullness
• Excess saliva
• Frequent urination both day and night
• Mild lower abdominal pain

1-month pregnancy signs are clearer and a pregnancy test (urine or blood) can confirm your condition. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Early Pregnancy Signs

Early pregnancy signs occur from the first to fourth week of pregnancy. Many confuse them with premenstrual symptoms.

• Lower back pain
• Nighttime body temperature increase
• Frequent need for sleep
• Recurring headaches

First Signs of Pregnancy

First signs of pregnancy involve both physical and emotional changes and may show just days after conception.

• Unexplained tiredness
• Unusual abdominal discomfort
• Slight fever
• Lack of energy or motivation

Note that 1-day pregnancy signs, 1-week pregnancy signs, and 1-month pregnancy signs vary from woman to woman. Always consult a doctor when unusual symptoms appear.

For more guidance on pregnancy signs or if you suspect you're pregnant, visit your nearest health facility or contact a medical expert for proper advice.

Dalili za Mimba ya mwezi mmoja na ya siku moja

Dalili za Mimba ya Siku Moja na Mwezi Mmoja

Mara nyingi wanawake hupenda kuelewa dalili za mimba mapema iwezekanavyo ili waweze kuchukua hatua stahiki. Kwa hiyo, kuelewa dalili za mimba ya siku moja, dalili za mimba ya wiki moja, na hasa dalili za mimba ya mwezi mmoja ni muhimu kwa mwanamke anayetilia maanani afya yake ya uzazi.

Dalili za mimba ya siku moja ni ngumu kugundua, lakini baadhi ya wanawake wanaweza kuhisi mabadiliko madogo sana yanayotokana na utungwaji wa mimba.

Dalili za Mimba ya Siku Moja

• Mabadiliko ya joto la mwili (kuongezeka kidogo)
• Mkojo wa mara kwa mara kuliko kawaida
• Kuchoka ghafla bila sababu ya msingi
• Maumivu madogo ya tumbo (implantation cramps)
• Kutokwa na matone ya damu ya rangi ya pinki au kahawia (implantation bleeding)
• Hisia kali ya harufu

Dalili za mimba ya siku moja haziwezi kuthibitishwa bila kipimo cha hCG lakini ni mwanzo wa kuelewa mabadiliko ya mwili.

Dalili za Mimba ya Wiki Moja

Dalili za mimba ya wiki moja huanza kuonekana taratibu kwa wanawake wengi. Hizi ni miongoni mwa dalili za mimba changa zaidi.

• Kichefuchefu cha asubuhi (morning sickness)
• Kupoteza hamu ya chakula au kupenda vyakula fulani ghafla
• Maumivu ya kifua au matiti kujaa
• Kuchoka na usingizi mwingi
• Kutokwa na uchafu mwepesi ukeni

Dalili za Mimba ya Mwezi Mmoja

Dalili za mimba ya mwezi mmoja ni dhahiri zaidi. Katika kipindi hiki, homoni za mimba huongezeka na kufanya ishara zake kuwa wazi kwa wanawake wengi.

Dalili za mimba ya mwezi mmoja hujumuisha dalili nyingi ambazo hufanana na zile za hedhi lakini ni kali zaidi na huendelea kwa muda mrefu.

• Kukosa hedhi kabisa
• Kuvimba kwa matiti na maumivu
• Mabadiliko ya hisia – hasira au huzuni ghafla
• Kutapika au kichefuchefu sugu
• Kuvimbiwa au kujaa tumbo
• Kuongezeka kwa mate mdomoni
• Mkojo wa mara kwa mara usiku na mchana
• Maumivu madogo ya tumbo chini

Dalili za mimba ya mwezi mmoja ni wazi zaidi na kipimo cha mimba kinaweza kutoa majibu sahihi katika hatua hii. Ni vyema mwanamke kufanya kipimo cha mkojo au damu kuthibitisha hali yake.

Dalili za Mimba Changa

Dalili za mimba changa ni zile zinazoonekana katika wiki ya kwanza hadi ya nne ya ujauzito. Wengi huzipuuza wakidhani ni dalili za kawaida kabla ya hedhi.

• Kupata maumivu ya mgongo wa chini
• Kuongezeka kwa joto la mwili usiku
• Kuwa na hamu ya kulala kila wakati
• Maumivu ya kichwa ya mara kwa mara

Dalili za Mwanzo za Ujauzito

Dalili za mwanzo za ujauzito huwa mchanganyiko wa kihisia na kimwili. Zinaweza kuanza kuonekana ndani ya siku chache baada ya utungwaji wa mimba.

• Hisia ya uchovu usioelezeka
• Maumivu ya tumbo yasiyo ya kawaida
• Kupata homa ndogo
• Kupoteza hamu ya kufanya kazi au mazoezi

Kumbuka, dalili za mimba ya siku moja, dalili za mimba ya wiki moja, na dalili za mimba ya mwezi mmoja zinatofautiana kwa kila mwanamke. Hakikisha unapata ushauri wa daktari mara tu unapoona dalili za ajabu.

Kwa ushauri zaidi kuhusu dalili za mimba au kama unashuku una ujauzito, fika katika kituo cha afya kilicho karibu nawe au piga simu kwa mtaalamu wa afya kwa msaada wa haraka.

How to create robot txt and how to add robot txt to your blogger

How to Create and Add Robots.txt to Your Blogger Website

By Dr Saddam Kenya | June 2025

When managing a blog on Blogger, it's important to control what content gets indexed by search engines like Google. This is where a robots.txt file comes in handy. It tells search engine crawlers which pages or folders they should or shouldn’t access. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create your own robots.txt file and add it to your Blogger blog easily.

📘 What is a Robots.txt File?

The robots.txt file is a simple text file that provides instructions to web crawlers. It can help prevent search engines from crawling unnecessary parts of your site such as /search or internal labels, while still allowing important pages to be indexed.

Here’s a simple example:

User-agent: *
Disallow: /search
Allow: /

✏️ Step 1: Create a Custom Robots.txt File for Blogger

Use the sample code below and modify it based on your site structure. I’ve customized this example for drsaddamkenya.site:

User-agent: Mediapartners-Google
Disallow:

User-agent: *
Disallow: /search
Disallow: /share-widget
Allow: /

Sitemap: https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/sitemap.xml
Sitemap: https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/sitemap-pages.xml

Tip: The Disallow rules help hide dynamic and duplicate content. The Sitemap lines help Google find your content more efficiently.

🛠️ Step 2: Add Robots.txt to Blogger

1. Log in to your Blogger Dashboard.
2. Click on Settings from the left menu.
3. Scroll down to Crawlers and Indexing.
4. Turn on Enable custom robots.txt.
5. Click on the link Custom robots.txt that appears.
6. Paste the code you copied above into the box.
7. Click Save.

That’s it! You’ve successfully added a robots.txt file to your Blogger blog.

🔎 Step 3: Confirm It's Working

To check if your robots.txt is live, go to your browser and type:

https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/robots.txt

You should see the file you created displayed on that page.

💡 Why Robots.txt Is Important

• Improves your blog’s SEO.
• Blocks irrelevant or low-quality pages from being indexed.
• Ensures only your best content appears in Google search results.
• Helps save crawl budget for larger sites.

📌 Final Advice

Use robots.txt wisely. Don’t block pages unless you’re sure they shouldn't be indexed. If you make a mistake, important content might disappear from search engines.

For best results, pair this with Google Search Console’s tools to monitor how Google is crawling your Blogger site.

🔚 Conclusion

Now you know how to create and add a custom robots.txt file to your Blogger blog. This small change can help improve how search engines treat your blog and boost your visibility online.

Stay tuned for more tutorials on SEO, Blogger, and online success strategies right here on Dr Saddam Kenya Blog.

COVID-19 Symptoms in 2025: What You Need to Know

As we move further into 2025, COVID-19 remains a global health concern. Although it no longer dominates headlines as it did in the early years of the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread in communities across Kenya, Africa, and globally.

Is COVID-19 Still Spreading in 2025?

Yes. COVID-19 is still circulating across the world. In Kenya and many other countries, outbreaks continue to occur, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare or where large gatherings take place. Testing rates have declined, meaning the actual number of infections may be much higher than reported.

Who Is at Risk of Severe COVID-19?

• Older adults (especially those over 65 years)
• People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cancer
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Those living in underserved or high-poverty communities

Common COVID-19 Symptoms in 2025

While new variants of the virus continue to emerge, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 have remained largely consistent.

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of taste or smell (anosmia)
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches

Other Possible Symptoms

Some individuals may experience less common symptoms, particularly if they develop a more severe or prolonged form of the illness.

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Eye irritation
• Diarrhea
• Skin rashes

Should You Get Tested?

Testing is recommended if you develop symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed case. PCR testing remains the most accurate, though approved rapid antigen tests are also useful. Keep in mind that a negative test result does not always mean you are virus-free, especially if you are symptomatic.

Treatment Options for COVID-19

For high-risk individuals, the antiviral medication Paxlovid can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization if taken within five days of symptom onset. For most mild cases, treatment includes:

• Rest
• Hydration
• Over-the-counter fever reducers like paracetamol
• Staying at home to avoid infecting others

Preventing COVID-19 in 2025

The best ways to reduce your risk of infection remain the same:

• Get vaccinated and receive booster shots when eligible
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Ensure indoor spaces are well-ventilated
• Wear a mask if you are unwell or in crowded places
• Avoid contact with high-risk individuals if you are sick

Long COVID and Recovery

Most people recover within 7–10 days, but some may experience symptoms for several weeks. Vaccinated individuals typically recover faster and are less likely to develop long COVID. Maintaining up-to-date vaccinations can reduce both the severity and duration of illness.

Conclusion

COVID-19 continues to circulate in 2025. Although many people experience mild symptoms, vulnerable individuals are still at risk of severe outcomes. Staying informed, testing when symptomatic, and continuing preventive measures remain key to managing the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in our communities.

Call for Help

Fix Sitemap Couldn't Fetch Error for blogger on Google console

🛠️ How I Fixed the “Sitemap Couldn't Fetch” Error

While setting up my blog on Google Search Console, I came across this frustrating error: “Couldn't fetch – General HTTP Error” after submitting a sitemap.

🔍 The Mistake I Made

I submitted the following sitemap URL, thinking it was correct:

https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/sitemap.pages.xml

However, this is not a valid Blogger sitemap format.

✅ The Correct Sitemap URL

Here’s the correct link for static pages:

https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/sitemap-pages.xml

📌 Robots.txt Fix

Make sure your robots.txt includes both valid sitemaps like this:

Sitemap: https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/sitemap.xml
Sitemap: https://www.drsaddamkenya.site/sitemap-pages.xml

📖 Why does the wrong sitemap cause a fetch error?

Because sitemap.pages.xml does not exist — it's not a valid Blogger structure. Google tries to access it but gets an HTTP 404 or error, resulting in a fetch failure.

🔧 How do I fix it?

• Remove the invalid sitemap from Google Search Console.
• Add sitemap-pages.xml instead.
• Update your robots.txt file accordingly.

📞 Need help?

If you’re still stuck, reach out to me directly on WhatsApp. I'm happy to assist!

💬 Message Me on WhatsApp

Pregnancy Acne explainer

Pregnancy Acne: Causes, Effects, and How to Manage It

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many hormonal changes that can affect the health of her skin. One of the most common challenges pregnant women face is pregnancy acne.

Pregnancy acne is a common condition caused by an increase in androgen hormones, which trigger excess oil (sebum) production in the skin.

What Causes Acne During Pregnancy?

• Hormonal changes – especially in the first trimester.
• Increased production of sebum (natural skin oil).
• Emotional stress due to physical changes.
• Lack of proper sleep or poor nutrition.

Is Pregnancy Acne Harmful?

Generally, this acne is not harmful to either the mother or the baby. However, it may affect a woman’s self-esteem or cause discomfort if it becomes severe.

How to Manage Acne During Pregnancy

• Wash your face twice daily with mild soap.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Do not squeeze pimples, as this may lead to scarring.
• Use pregnancy-safe skincare products (avoid harsh chemicals like strong retinoids or high salicylic acid).
• Drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables.

If your acne becomes severe, consult a dermatologist or a pregnancy healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Pregnancy acne is a normal and temporary condition. With proper skincare and nutrition, it can be managed easily. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so listen to your body and consult your doctor if in doubt.

Need expert help or personalized advice? Feel free to reach out or call for support.