Former National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Charles Owino, currently the Chair of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) Council, defended the use of live bullets by police officers during demonstrations. Owino made these remarks on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on Thursday, a statement that has since resonated across various media platforms and elicited mixed reactions from the public and human rights organizations alike.
Owino, known for his outspoken nature, justified the deployment of live ammunition by law enforcement during protests that escalate into the destruction of property, particularly critical infrastructure. “When protests escalate into destruction of property, especially critical infrastructure, security officers are authorized to shoot protesters,” he asserted. He emphasized that the priority is to protect essential public assets, which are often targeted during violent demonstrations.
According to Owino, the police are highly trained in crowd control and riot management, and their response varies according to the intensity and nature of the protests. He insisted that the use of live bullets is a last resort, employed only when all other measures have failed to restore order and protect property.
Owino highlighted that police officers undergo rigorous training in handling protests, with specific protocols in place to manage different scenarios. The decision to use live ammunition is not taken lightly and follows a graduated response strategy. Initially, non-lethal measures such as tear gas and water cannons are deployed. If these prove ineffective, and the situation threatens to spiral out of control, live ammunition may be used to prevent further escalation and safeguard critical infrastructure.
“The procedures vary depending on the situation. We start with less lethal methods, but if the destruction becomes extensive and critical infrastructure is at risk, the use of live bullets becomes necessary,” Owino explained.
Owino’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including human rights organizations and civil society groups, who argue that the use of live bullets against protesters is a violation of human rights and a disproportionate response to civil unrest. They contend that such measures only serve to escalate violence and infringe on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Amnesty International Kenya issued a statement condemning Owino’s comments, urging the government to adopt more humane and rights-respecting approaches to crowd control. “The use of live bullets on protesters is a gross violation of human rights. We call on the government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to employ non-lethal means in managing protests,” the statement read.
