Charles Owino, former Police Spokesperson and current chairperson of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), has defended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) against a recent high court order mandating that officers reveal their identities during demonstrations. The court’s ruling comes in response to a series of high-profile abductions and allegations of police brutality that have plagued recent protests in Kenya.
Owino, speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show, asserted that the use of unmarked vehicles and civilian clothing is a fundamental aspect of DCI operations. According to him, this practice is deeply entrenched in their standard operating procedures and altering it would be impractical. “You cannot stop the DCI from operating the way they operate. You cannot ask them to put on uniforms when they are used to operate in civilian clothes,” Owino argued.
The high court’s decision followed widespread criticism of the police’s handling of recent demonstrations, which saw a troubling rise in abductions and alleged brutality. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which filed the petition prompting the court order, has been vocal about the need for police accountability. The LSK has demanded that the DCI cease its practice of concealing identities and using unmarked vehicles during such operations, arguing that these tactics contribute to an environment of fear and impunity.
Owino, however, countered these claims, explaining that the DCI’s use of unmarked Subarus and concealed identities is intended to address specific challenges during protests. He emphasized that these officers were tasked with identifying and apprehending individuals who might infiltrate protests with malicious intent. “If there are criminals entrenched then it calls for DCI officers at times to get involved in supporting the persons managing riots to maybe pick individuals who could be criminals in these teams,” he said.
The LSK, led by its president Faith Odhiambo, has been critical of what it describes as police brutality during the protests. The society has condemned the forceful disappearances and arrests that accompanied the demonstrations, advocating for the unconditional release of all detained protestors. According to recent data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 66 protestors were reported missing, and 60 people died during the unrest.
In response to these incidents, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has intensified its investigation into the conduct of police officers. The IPOA is now focusing on top police commanders, including the then-interim Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei. The oversight authority aims to hold these individuals accountable for any misconduct that may have occurred during the protests.
The controversy surrounding the DCI’s operational methods highlights a broader debate about the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of civil liberties. While the DCI’s tactics are designed to address specific security challenges, they have also been implicated in a broader pattern of abuses that have sparked significant public outcry.
As Kenya grapples with these issues, the challenge will be finding a way to ensure that security operations are both effective and respectful of fundamental rights. The ongoing investigations by IPOA and the public scrutiny brought by organizations like the LSK are crucial in addressing these concerns and promoting greater accountability within the police force.
In conclusion, while Owino’s defense of the DCI’s procedures reflects an understanding of the complexities involved in law enforcement, it also underscores the need for a transparent and accountable approach to handling public demonstrations. As the situation continues to evolve, the balance between security and civil rights will remain a central issue for both the public and policymakers.
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