Kenyans have taken to social media to condemn Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen after he called on them to exercise patience with police officers who ask for fuel when responding to emergencies.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement forum, Murkomen explained that each police station is allocated a capped 450 litres of fuel per month.
He noted that the allocation is often depleted before the end of the month, particularly in urban areas where officers are more frequently deployed in crime prevention.
"So please bear with the police officer if they ask you for fuel. It is not corruption or a demand for a bribe, it is simply a result of the current leasing program, which provides 450 litres per month," Murkomen said.
The remarks provoked sharp criticism online, with Kenyans questioning why taxpayers should be asked to shoulder costs that the state is expected to cover.
Murkomen backs police requesting fuel from distressed wananchihttps://t.co/Hs8kmLp6Gb
- The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) September 16, 2025
Kibe Thuo wrote: "We pay taxes to fuel government vehicles and pay salaries to public officers. It's ironic that when we need their services, we should refuel their vehicles (and fill their bellies) to be served."
Peter Madege added: "These guys are very clever, they will withhold the monies for fueling police vehicles so that the citizens can fuel for them."
John Odongo questioned the CS's reasoning: "A lot of money every financial year goes to security. Fuelling these operational vehicles is one of the main priorities. Does he really understand himself? Kenya iuzwe kila mtu apewe share yake ajipange nayo."
This is not the first time Murkomen has come under fire over his statements.
In June, he faced mounting backlash after remarks widely interpreted as endorsing the use of lethal force by police during the deadly June 25 protests that left at least 16 people dead.
At the time, a video surfaced in which he was heard saying: "If anyone gets close to a police station, shoot and kill them... That's an order from above, not just from me."
Opposition leader Raila Odinga was among those who condemned him, saying: "The police should never, ever shoot to kill. Police have no licence to kill human beings. If somebody has committed a crime, arrest that person and take them before a court of law."
Murkomen later denied issuing a shoot-to-kill order, insisting his comments were taken out of context and merely reflected his interpretation of police powers under the Constitution.
"I cannot order the Inspector General to do anything-the Constitution does not allow it," he said. "You will not find me anywhere saying somebody should be shot to be killed."