Court Orders Police to Keep Faces Unmasked and Name Tags Visible During Protests

The High Court has directed the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure that police officers deployed during protests and demonstrations do not conceal their identities. The ruling comes in response to growing concerns about police accountability and transparency during public gatherings.

Court’s Ruling and Implications

On August 13, 2024, High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order mandating that police officers must not hide or obscure their faces while on duty during protests. The ruling also stipulates that officers must display name tags or service numbers on a visible part of their uniforms. This decision aims to enhance accountability and ensure that individuals involved in protests can identify the officers interacting with them.

The court’s directive is a significant step towards ensuring that law enforcement actions are transparent and accountable. By making it mandatory for officers to display their faces and name tags, the court seeks to address public concerns about police misconduct and to protect the rights of individuals exercising their freedom of assembly and expression.

Background of the Case

The ruling follows an application filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on July 31, 2024. The LSK had raised concerns about the increasing use of masked officers and unmarked vehicles during protests, which they argued undermines public trust and accountability. The application sought judicial intervention to enforce transparency and ensure that all law enforcement actions during public demonstrations are conducted within the bounds of the law.

In response to the LSK’s application, Justice Mwamuye certified the matter as urgent and issued the conservatory orders. The orders require the Inspector General of Police to ensure full compliance with the directive and to take immediate action to prevent any further obscuration of police identification.

Order Details and Compliance

The court has given the National Police Service until August 21, 2024, to file and serve their responses to the application. This deadline will allow the respondents to present their arguments or objections to the court’s orders. The matter is scheduled for further mention on September 17, 2024, where the court will review compliance and issue further directions if necessary.

Judge Mwamuye also directed that the applicant, LSK, serve the respondents through the National Police Service Headquarters, ensuring that the directive reaches all relevant parties. An affidavit of service must be filed by close of business on Friday, demonstrating that the court’s orders have been properly communicated to all involved.

Impact on Police Operations

This ruling is expected to have a profound impact on how the National Police Service manages protests and demonstrations moving forward. By mandating that officers remain identifiable, the court aims to foster a more transparent and accountable environment for policing public gatherings. This change is likely to influence how protests are managed and could lead to increased scrutiny of police conduct during such events.

Moreover, the ruling addresses broader concerns about the potential misuse of power and the need for clear oversight mechanisms in law enforcement. It underscores the importance of maintaining public confidence in the police force by ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions.

Conclusion

The High Court’s decision represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on police accountability and transparency in Kenya. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the implementation of these orders and their impact on both police operations and public trust. The ruling marks a significant step towards enhancing the accountability of law enforcement agencies and ensuring that the rights of individuals participating in protests are safeguarded.