Mulembe Times | June 30, 2025
A motion has been filed to disbar Deputy President Kindiki and Interior CS Murkomen from the Roll of Advocates over alleged human rights violations during the June 25 protests and unconstitutional directives to security forces.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen are now the subjects of a formal motion seeking their removal from the Roll of Advocates of the High Court of Kenya, following their alleged roles in overseeing and endorsing human rights violations during recent nationwide protests.
A petition filed with the Advocates Complaints Commission accuses the two leaders—both qualified lawyers—of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and contravention of constitutional provisions protecting the right to life and peaceful assembly.
Legal Action Over Protest Crackdown
The petitioners, whose names are expected to be revealed once the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) verifies the documents, claim that Kindiki and Murkomen violated their ethical obligations as advocates by either sanctioning or failing to stop extra-judicial actions during the June 25 protests, which left over 60 people dead.
“They acted not only contrary to the spirit of the Constitution but also in violation of their professional oaths as officers of the court,” reads part of the petition.
Murkomen came under fire for issuing what appeared to be a “shoot-to-kill” directive, urging police to open fire on individuals who approached police stations or attempted to steal firearms.
“Mtu yeyote atakaribia police station piga yeye risasi… Bunduki sio mandazi,” the CS said, remarks that triggered immediate backlash from civil rights defenders and legal professionals.
LSK and Advocates Tribunal to Review Complaint
LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter would be forwarded to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal for further action.
“No one is above ethical scrutiny, not even members of the Executive. If the Tribunal finds there’s a case to answer, hearings will be conducted as per the Advocates Act,” she said.
If upheld, the petition could lead to disbarment—a rare but symbolically powerful consequence that would bar Kindiki and Murkomen from legal practice.
Kindiki Accused of Overseeing Violent Crackdowns
As Deputy President and former Interior CS, Kindiki has been accused of maintaining operational oversight of security agencies during the protest period, allegedly enabling arbitrary arrests, police brutality, and enforced disappearances.
Despite public outrage, Kindiki has remained largely silent, only releasing a brief statement defending the security agencies’ actions as necessary to “protect national stability against criminal infiltration.”
Legal Experts Weigh In
Prominent constitutional lawyer Steve Ogolla called the petition “a moral and legal test for the country.”
“What’s at stake is more than their law licenses. It’s about accountability. If they weaponized state power and trampled on civil liberties, they must be held to account not just politically, but professionally.”
What’s Next?
The Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal will determine whether the complaint has merit. If proceedings are initiated, both Kindiki and Murkomen will be invited to respond and defend their conduct. A finding of gross misconduct or breach of professional ethics could result in temporary suspension or permanent disbarment.
Public Divided
The move has divided public opinion. Civil society groups have hailed it as a milestone for legal accountability, while government allies have dismissed it as politically motivated theatre designed to weaken the Executive.
“This is a witch-hunt meant to embarrass leaders who are enforcing law and order,” said a Kenya Kwanza MP.
