The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Wednesday called for Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno to withdraw his directive, authorising officers to shoot gangs such as the Panga Boys and other machete-wielding groups.
This is in connection with the recent escalation of violent crimes in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.
KNCHR chairperson Claris Ogangah said the police response must respect human rights in line with the Constitution.
The commission added that such orders threaten the implementation of the Bill of Rights and institutional accountability, effectively curtailing judicial oversight in matters of use of force.
“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 statement read in part.
“The use of such illegal parameters is likely to profile imocent Kenyan’s, leading to potential extrajudicial executions, particularly youth residing in informal settlements.”
In an urgent appeal, the Commission called for the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Service to publicly clarify the official position on the directive.
The development comes amid heightened concerns over violent robberies along the Coast, where gangs have targeted shops, pedestrians, and homes.
CCTV footage has recently circulated online showing attackers wielding pangas and firearms storming businesses in Mtwapa and Bondo, leaving victims injured and traumatised.
Several people have been injured in the attacks.
Following the wave of crime, Commander Nuno ordered police to use lethal force against the machete-wielding gang.
“All those men and ladies involved in crime for one reason or another, your days are numbered. Crime doesn’t pay. You have two options: desist and accept salvation or move out of the entire Coast region. Where we are justified to use our firearms, we will not hesitate,” Nuno stated on February 7, 2026.
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