Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has warned that while police will support peaceful protests, any instance of armed violence or anarchy will prompt the involvement of the military. Speaking during a June 26 interview on Citizen TV, Owino, who now heads the national government’s communications centre, said law enforcement has a clear mandate: to protect peaceful assembly not to confront armed individuals.
“Moving forward, if there are peaceful demonstrations, the police will come out to support them,” he said. “But if there’s anarchy, the police will withdraw and let the military take over, because it is not the work of the police to face armed people.”
His remarks come in the wake of the Gen Z-led protests that swept across Kenya, triggered by public outrage against the Finance Bill 2024. The demonstrations, largely organised through social media, began peacefully but have occasionally spiralled into chaos, especially on June 25 when protests were reported in at least 25 counties.
In Nairobi, what started as a peaceful march reportedly degenerated into lawlessness, with looters targeting shops, supermarkets, and even ATMs in the downtown area. Security forces clashed with demonstrators, and several people were reportedly killed or injured, further stoking tensions.
Owino’s comments underline the state’s delicate balancing act in managing protests while preserving law and order. While affirming the right to peaceful assembly, he drew a hard line against violent disruptions. “If people are armed and there is a threat to national security, then it becomes a different ball game,” Owino reiterated.
However, his remarks have raised alarm among human rights defenders and security analysts, who caution that involving the military in civilian matters could lead to constitutional and human rights violations. The Kenyan Constitution places strict conditions on military deployment for internal security matters, requiring parliamentary approval and clear oversight.
As the Gen Z protests continue to gain momentum and influence, the government’s response remains under close national and international scrutiny, with calls for accountability, reform, and a peaceful resolution growing louder.
