Former Police Service Spokesperson Charles Owino has warned that if protests in future shift from peaceful demonstrations to acts of anarchy, police officers may be compelled to step aside and allow the military to take over.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion following the Wednesday, June 25 protests, Owino proposed the strategy as a practical response to the evolving nature of demonstrations in Kenya.
“What happened yesterday was clearly not a peaceful procession; you could see people who were clearly prepared for war. It is not the work of the police to face armed people,” Owino said.
“Going forward, if there will be peaceful demonstrations in this country, then let the police come out and support them, but if there will be anarchy, the police will withdraw and let the military take over,” Owino explained.
On Wednesday, June 25, thousands of Kenyan youths took to the streets in various counties to commemorate the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Just as was the case last year, the protests descended into chaos as police engaged protesters in running battles.
In a twist of events, and contrary to the usual scenario where protesters flee at the sight of police, many this time stood their ground, some boldly confronted the officers, others dared them, and some even attacked while defending themselves.
According to Owino, the shifting dynamics between protesters and police are cause for concern.
He suggested that the current behaviour of demonstrators, who are actively confronting police, no longer reflects peaceful intentions but instead signals a readiness for conflict.
The current Director General of the newly established National Communication Centre opined that if this confrontational approach continues, the situation may escalate beyond the police’s capacity, potentially necessitating military intervention to restore order.
His sentiments did, however, not sit well with other leaders who sat at the discussion table with him. Speaking in the same discussion, Erick Okeyo, the former chairman at the Kenya Security Industry association, revealed that it was unfortunate that Owino was justifying the use of excessive force by police officers.
According to data by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), eight people have lost their lives and scores were injured during the Wednesday protests.
