NYAMIRA, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyans not to generalise their anger toward the entire police service amid growing public outrage over police brutality during recent protests.
Speaking on Friday during a Women Empowerment Initiative in Borabu, Nyamira County, Wetang’ula acknowledged the public frustration but cautioned against condemning the whole force based on the misconduct of a few officers.
“We must not use the actions of one police officer to condemn the entire force,” he said.
“Where injustices have been committed, the responsible individuals must be held accountable through due process.”
Rising Public Anger Over Police Brutality
The Speaker’s remarks come in the wake of nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2025, during which police have been accused of using excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrators.
One of the most harrowing cases involves the shooting of 22-year-old vendor Boniface Kariuki, also known as Eli Joshua, who was allegedly shot at close range by police in Nairobi on June 17.
Kariuki was reportedly selling surgical face masks during the protests when the incident occurred.
Two officers — Klinzy Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono — have since been interdicted and are being held at Capitol Hill Police Station as investigations continue.
Human Rights Groups Demand UN Intervention
Amid mounting criticism, human rights organisations have called for international intervention to restore accountability within the National Police Service.
The Defenders Coalition and the Social Justice Centres Working Group argue that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is overwhelmed and unable to effectively handle the surge in brutality cases.
“A huge swath of the Kenyan public does not believe that justice will be served in cases like Albert Ojwang’s,” said Kamau Ngugi, Executive Director of the Defenders Coalition. “It is clear that the police command will do all it can to hide any incriminating evidence against their own.”
Ngugi said only a UN-led investigation could ensure neutrality in light of the high-level political interests involved.
Speaker Urges Unity and Accountability
Wetang’ula also criticised leaders for stoking political divisions and urged Kenyans to prioritise peace and national cohesion.
“I urged Kenyans not to be drawn into conflicts that are not their own,” he said.
“We all share a duty to protect and grow our nation.”
He emphasised that while political disagreement is part of democracy, it must never overshadow the government’s responsibility to serve its citizens with justice and dignity.
