Former National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Charles Owino, now the chair of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) Council, defended the use of live bullets by police officers during demonstrations.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on Thursday, Owino stated that when protests escalate into property destruction, especially of critical infrastructure, security officers are authorized to shoot protesters.
He emphasized that police are well-trained in handling protesters, with procedures varying based on the situation. Owino explained, “Traditionally, we were trained to begin with a proclamation, asking those gathered to disperse immediately. If they refuse, then teargas is used. If they still resist, teargas and batons are employed to disperse them.”
“But now when property is being destroyed. What do you do? Those are the times you use your firearms.”
Owino responded to suggestions of using rubber bullets, stating, “Will rubber bullets stop them? We need to face reality. We must give police power to bite. When we were being taught that if necessary, target the ringleader. If the situation is so bad, you are told, ‘That tall person in the red cap,’ aim and fire.”
He stressed, however, that police always strive to keep casualties to a minimum.
“Those are the procedures and it happens. So what we are saying is you limit casualties as much as possible. But this is not possible if we don’t want to face the law,” he added.
Referring to the recent intrusion of Parliament by anti-Finance Bill protestors, Owino noted that in such cases, police have no choice but to use additional force to attempt to neutralize the demonstrators.
“When individuals breach Parliament, especially targeting an armory, what else can be expected? We must adhere to the law and act within our limits to maintain order. Failure to do so will lead to anarchy,” Owino concluded.
Owino’s remarks come amid sharp criticism of the government over the killing of protesters during the ongoing anti-government demonstrations, now in their third week. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported on Monday that a total of 39 people have been killed in the protests. The national rights watchdog also noted 32 cases of “enforced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests of protesters.
