The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violent crimes in the Coast Region, specifically within Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale Counties. The Commission acknowledges the legitimate concerns of the residents regarding the activities of juvenile gangs, such as the ‘Panga Boys,’ and other machete-wielding groups that have caused fear, injury, and loss of property. The Commission stands in solidarity with the victims of these crimes and reaffirms that every Kenyan has the right to freedom and security of the person as guaranteed under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya.
The Commission is concerned by the "shoot-to-kill" directive issued on 7th February 2026 by the Coast Regional Police Commander, Ali Nuno. While the State has a primary obligation to maintain law and order, this must be done within the strict confines of the law. A "shoot-to-kill" order is a violation of the Constitution of Kenya and, specifically 244 (c) of the Constitution that mandates the National Police Service to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms while offering services.
The issuance of such a chilling directive poses an existential threat to the implementation of the Bill of Rights as it proposes to by-pass constitutionally recognized judicial process and undermines Articles 26, 48, 50 and 244 (c) of the Constitution that prioritize human rights and institutional accountability over arbitrary force, maintaining public trust and the democratic integrity of the nation. Summary executions are a hallmark of a lawless States and have no place in a modern democracy like Kenya.
KNCHR emphasizes the grave risks associated with such orders and how they disregard constitutional and legal safeguards, replacing professional policing with State-sanctioned violence. The use of such illegal parameters is likely to profile innocent Kenyan’s leading to potential extrajudicial executions particularly youth residing in informal settlements.
The KNCHR, therefore, makes the following urgent calls:
1. To the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Service (NPS): The KNCHR calls for the immediate public clarification of the official position of the Police as regards “shoot-to-kill"
2. To the Regional Police Commander to immediately withdraw the directive and issue a public commitment to comply with Article 244 (c) of the Constitution.
The Commission remains available to work with National Police Service towards developing a culture that enhances promotion and protection of human rights for all Kenyans and will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take legal action on behalf of anyone who suffers harm as a result of this directive.
KNCHR urges the public to continue reporting any Human Rights violations and concerns through the following channels: SMS: 22359, Email: complaint@knchr.org, WhatsApp: 0798 849 871 and Toll-Free Line: 0800 720 627
Claris Ogangah
Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights