MOMBASA/KILIFI Counties—Feb 12, 2026 — A heated debate has erupted in the Coast region following a controversial shoot-to-kill directive issued by Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno against suspected criminals.
While a section of residents in Kilifi and other parts of the Coast have welcomed the tough stance, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and human rights organisations have strongly opposed the order, warning that it could fuel unlawful killings.
The controversy stems from remarks by Commander Nuno indicating that police officers would shoot and kill individuals suspected of engaging in violent crime, particularly gangs armed with crude weapons such as machetes, amid a surge in insecurity across the region.
Some Kilifi residents voiced full support for the directive, arguing that criminal gangs have terrorised communities not only in Kilifi County but across the broader Coast region.
Led by Kilifi Boychild social organisation Chairperson Birya Menza, the residents said decisive legal action was necessary to restore order and eliminate fear among locals.
“These gangs have caused immense suffering. Firm measures are required to guarantee safety for residents, traders and visitors,” Menza said.
However, Kilifi County Peace Committee Chairperson Harold Mwatua urged security agencies to work closely with communities and families of suspected offenders to explore corrective approaches. He stressed that all security operations must remain within the confines of the law.
The Law Society of Kenya and human rights defenders, led by Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, criticised the directive, calling on security agencies to strictly adhere to legal procedures when dealing with crime.
Khalid warned that the order could contribute to extrajudicial killings, which rights groups say have already been on the rise nationally, particularly in the Coast region.
“No one supports crime or defends criminals,” Khalid said. “However, in any security operation, police officers must follow the law and their operational guidelines.”
He further cautioned against vilifying human rights defenders for questioning the directive, arguing that failure to respect constitutional safeguards could result in the deaths of innocent civilians.
Commander Nuno has remained firm, stating that his position would not be shaken and that the directive would be fully implemented to ensure safety in the Coast region.
The region has witnessed increased cases of armed robberies and gang attacks involving machetes and other crude weapons in recent months, prompting intensified police crackdowns.
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the right to life and outlines strict conditions under which law enforcement officers may use firearms. The National Police Service Act provides that lethal force should only be used as a last resort and when strictly unavoidable to protect life.
The Coast region has long grappled with youth unemployment, drug abuse and gang-related crime, factors often cited as underlying drivers of insecurity. Calls for tougher policing frequently surface during spikes in violent crime, but they often spark tension between demands for swift action and concerns over human rights compliance.
The unfolding debate highlights the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law in Kenya’s devolved security landscape.
