Wamuzi News Ke
A chilling video has gone viral capturing armed police officers threatening unarmed demonstrators during Saba Saba Day protests, igniting nationwide outrage and urgent calls for accountability.
Apparent Clearance to Kill on Display.
Filmed from an elevated vantage, the footage shows two officers confronting peaceful protesters — some chanting in Swahili: “Tuko na amani” (“We are peaceful”). Despite the calm, the officers raise their rifles and declare: “Nitakuuwa wewe! Niko na ruhusa ya kukuuwa… Utalala kwa fridge!” (translated: “I will kill you! I have permission to kill… You’ll sleep in a fridge!”) .
Nationwide Outcry.
The alarming clip has provoked an immediate wave of condemnation. Civil society groups, human rights lawyers, and ordinary citizens have demanded swift, decisive action. Critics warn that granting officers “license to kill” strikes at the heart of constitutional rights to life, assembly, and dissent.
State of Emergency Tactics.
This revelation compounds already serious reports of violent suppression during Saba Saba: According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 10 civilians were killed, dozens injured, and two abducted nationwide during the same protests . Analysts say the video reflects a concerning trend where police operate with impunity, undermining legal protections meant to curb excessive force.
Political Pressure and Accountability.
Opposition leaders and legal experts have sharpened calls for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch an independent investigation. Pressure is mounting on Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and National Police Service (NPS) Chief Noor to provide evidence regarding the legality of such remarks and to ensure all officers involved are identified and held accountable.
What’s at Stake.
Escalation of unlockdown protests: Imminent demonstrations may intensify without a credible police response.
Judicial action: Civil suits could be filed against individuals and institutions implicated in unlawful threats.
Policy reform: This incident adds urgency to demands for mandatory visible identification of all crowd-control officers, a move already ordered by the High Court.
