Kenyan MP Issues Public Apology for Inflammatory 'Shoot to Kill' Comments Against Protesters

2026-02-05 region

Nairobi, 5 February 2026
Belgut MP Nelson Koech publicly apologised on 5 February 2026 for controversial remarks made eight months earlier urging police to use lethal force against young protesters. The Defence Committee member admitted he was ‘totally embarrassed’ by his inflammatory statements, which were made ‘in the heat of the moment’ during Kenya’s youth-led demonstrations.

The Controversial Remarks and Their Context

Speaking to Citizen TV on Thursday, 5 February 2026, Koech acknowledged the severity of his previous statements and sought to distance himself from any advocacy for violence against Kenyan citizens [1]. The MP, who also serves on the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, had originally made the controversial comments in July 2025 during the height of youth-led protests across Kenya [1]. At that time, Koech had defended President William Ruto’s order for police officers to shoot at the legs of demonstrators, but escalated the rhetoric by stating ‘I want to thank President Ruto. Yesterday, the moment you said shoot but do not kill, I want to repeat it here, in fact, shoot and kill!’ [1]. The remarks came during discussions about planned protests, including demonstrations that were scheduled to approach State House during anniversary protests on 25 June 2025 [1].

Admission of Error and Constitutional Principles

During his televised apology, Koech initially suggested he might have been misquoted before taking full responsibility for his statements [1][6]. ‘I must have been misquoted. Those who know my character know I am not that kind of person. I unequivocally want to apologise. The sanctity of life is provided for and guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bible which I believe in,’ he stated [1]. The MP described himself as ‘a man of polished character’ who would not advocate for the unlawful killing of Kenyan youths [1]. Koech emphasised that his original comments were made ‘in the heat of the moment’ and acknowledged he ‘should have been more careful’ in his choice of words [1][3][6]. The legislator reiterated his embarrassment over the statement, saying ‘I am totally embarrassed by that statement. It came in the heat of the moment and I should have been more careful in how I made my statement’ [1][3].

The original remarks had triggered significant outrage across social media platforms, with many Kenyans demanding accountability from leaders who advocate violence against citizens [6]. Several civil society organisations condemned Koech’s statement at the time, warning that such rhetoric could legitimise abuse of power and undermine constitutional protections [6]. The controversy occurred during a period when concerns about property damage and loss of life were attributed to violent protesters who allegedly hijacked peaceful demonstrations demanding an end to police brutality [1]. The apology comes amid renewed national debate over the conduct of security agencies during protests, with rights groups accusing police of using excessive force in past demonstrations [6].

Broader Context of Political Accountability

Koech’s apology arrives at a time when political responsibility and the influence of leaders’ words during periods of unrest are under heightened scrutiny in Kenya [6]. The timing is particularly significant as some leaders have faced legal consequences for their utterances, with certain MPs being arraigned in court over hate speech cases [6]. The Defence Committee member’s public contrition represents part of a broader conversation about the role of political rhetoric in either escalating or de-escalating tensions during civil demonstrations [6]. His retraction also highlights the ongoing challenges Kenya faces in balancing security concerns with constitutional protections for peaceful protest and the fundamental right to life [1][6]. The incident underscores the critical importance of measured political discourse, particularly from those in positions of authority who serve on sensitive parliamentary committees dealing with national security matters [GPT].

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