Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has publicly apologized for his earlier incendiary statements urging police to “shoot and kill” protesters.
The remarks, originally made in July 2025 amid discussions on violent demonstrations and property destruction, drew widespread condemnation for appearing to endorse excessive force against demonstrators, many of whom were youthful Gen Z protesters.
In an interview on Citizen TV’s Citizen DayBreak on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Koech expressed deep regret.
“I want to apologize; it is not my character and I am totally embarrassed by that statement. It came in the heat of the moment and I should have been more careful with how I made my statement,” he said.
The MP emphasized that the comments did not reflect his true values, claiming he had been misquoted in some reports and underscoring his respect for the sanctity of life as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and his faith.
The apology marks a significant reversal from his previous stance, where he had praised President William Ruto’s directive to shoot protesters in the legs but escalated it to advocate for lethal force.
The remarks had sparked backlash from human rights advocates and the public, highlighting tensions around police conduct during protests.
Koech’s retraction comes months later, as Kenya continues to grapple with accountability for past unrest.
Author: Bashirjuma
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