Police Spokesman Charles Owino earned the wrath of a section of Kenyans after discussing the reported surge in police brutality and extra-judicial killings on Tuesday, June 2.
Owino was interviewed by Ken Mijungu on NTV, with the anchor particularly questioning him on the publicized cases of Samuel Maina, whose nose was allegedly broken by police for violating curfew, and Vaite, a homeless man allegedly shot to death in Mathare, Nairobi by police.
Informed that Maina was watching the show and wanted assurances on his safety, Owino reiterated that he did not understand why Maina would be scared of being victimized by the police.
Pressed on the matter further as it was revealed that the officers who allegedly assaulted Maina were known to him, Owino advised Maina to visit his office to be directed to the Internal Affairs Unit.
"Victimized by who? I don't like this word police brutality because I'm a policeman and I cannot victimize. Ask him to come and see me tomorrow, I'll give him officers to take him to my colleague who is the Director of the Internal Affairs Unit.
"There is no cause for alarm, there is no need to fear," he stated.
He further claimed that according to witnesses who had spoken to police, Vaite was actually killed by a gang who rode on a motorcycle and not the police as area residents alleged.
"The case of Vaite, the one which people are shouting in Mathare. We have very clear witnesses who told us that this guy was followed by about 5 persons on motorbikes.
"You know, whether you are homeless or you have a home, a criminal who meets you does not know. Remember this is Dandora Bridge, you can follow up to find out how many lives we have lost at Dandora Bridge," he posed.
He argued that it was important to be careful when highlighting issues of alleged offences by the police as their livelihoods and reputations were on the line.
Owino's sentiments sparked a barrage of angry messages from Kenyans on social media who questioned Owino's statements on the cases which have captured national attention in recent days.
"I think Charles Owino is the one promoting police brutality. He is so arrogant and baseless. How can you say watchmen are the ones killing people," Chela, a twitter user decried.
"This guy Charles Owino really sees no wrong in how the Kenya police are senselessly beating, maiming and killing Kenyans. He is instead, shamelessly defending the killing spree by the police. No apology No remorse, Nothing ! Shame !" wrote Cherotich Tanui.
The campaigns 'Justice for Samuel Maina' and 'Justice for Vaite' have gained traction with Kenyans calling for action to be taken on officers accused in the cases. There have also been growing calls for the police service to be reformed to put an end to extra-judicial killings and brutality.
Watch Owino's interview below:
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