Wamuzi News Ke
In a rare and urgent pronouncement, the National Police Service (NPS) today issued a stern warning to all officers against the reckless use of firearms—setting the tone for the imminent June 25 protests. The warning follows a recent incident in which a hawker was shot during demonstrations, triggering intense public outrage.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned what he described as an “uncalled for” shooting, during which a mask hawker, Boniface Kariuki, was struck in the head while protesting along Mondlane Street on June 17. The incident, captured on video, reignited concerns over the excessive force used by security personnel.
Speaking on Radio Citizen this morning, Nyaga emphasized that officers have been trained on proper firearm protocols and warned that those who deviate will face “the full force of the law.” He confirmed that two officers—identified as Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station—have been arrested and are awaiting prosecution, as the authorities aim to set a precedent.
Under the National Police Service Act, use of lethal force is strictly limited to situations involving imminent threat to life, serious bodily harm, or to prevent escape during a felony—explicitly excluding protests. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) further supports this interpretation, stating that firearms should not be used to disperse assemblies.
Kariuki, now recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital, is reported to have sustained a head injury from what some medical officials say may have been a rubber bullet. He is one of 16 patients admitted with gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma during the previous week’s protests.
As protests loom for the finance bill scheduled on June 25, the NPS warning is a calculated move to avoid escalation. Nyaga underscored: “This will serve as a lesson to others who might use the gun in the wrong way,” urging officers to adhere strictly to legal guidelines.
Human rights organizations have cautiously welcomed the announcement but have said that systemic changes are needed—calling for tighter oversight, independent investigations, and disciplinary action against officers found culpable.
With tensions high and security services on alert, all eyes are on how the NPS will manage its response on June 25. The unfolding situation poses critical questions—not only about the right to peaceful protest, but also about policing standards and accountability in Kenya’s democracy.
