NAIROBI, Kenya — Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has said the National Police Service is prepared to support peaceful demonstrations, but warned that any descent into chaos or armed confrontation could prompt military intervention.
Owino, who now heads the national government’s communication centre, made the remarks Thursday morning during an interview on Citizen TV, amid heightened national tensions following Wednesday’s Gen Z-led protests that gripped at least 25 counties.
“Moving forward, if there are peaceful demonstrations, the police will come out to support them,” Owino said. “But if there’s anarchy, the police will withdraw and let the military take over, because it is not the work of the police to face armed people.”
His comments come in the wake of widespread protests against the Finance Bill 2024, spearheaded by tech-savvy youth across the country.
While many of the demonstrations began peacefully, instances of looting, property destruction, and violent clashes with police have sparked fierce debate on the appropriate response by security agencies.
Owino maintained that police have a constitutional duty to protect peaceful assembly and free expression, but said law enforcement cannot be expected to engage armed groups.
“If people are armed and there is a threat to national security, then it becomes a different ball game,” he added.
Wednesday’s protests, marking the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations, took a violent turn in parts of Nairobi and other urban centres.
Several supermarkets and ATM booths were vandalized, and downtown shops in the capital were looted by individuals posing as protesters.
The confrontations have raised fresh questions about state response and accountability, with rights groups and civil society urging restraint and dialogue.
Security analysts, meanwhile, have cautioned that deploying the military to quell internal unrest could violate constitutional safeguards and escalate tensions.
So far, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has confirmed eight fatalities and over 400 injuries from the protests, including cases of gunshot wounds and excessive use of force by police.
