Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has clarified that there are situations where the police can use lethal force but should be justified.
In a media interview, he mentioned that there are valid reasons for the police to use guns and stressed the importance of being honest, especially with younger people.
“Let’s understand that police can use guns in certain situations. It’s important for us to acknowledge that there are circumstances where lethal force is used,” Charles Owino noted.
According to Owino, educating young people on when the police use guns is essential.
Moreover, he pointed out that it is important for the country to agree on holding peaceful demonstrations to avoid police intervention in peaceful protests.
Further, he encouraged people not to damage cars, buildings, or businesses, as it results in significant losses for the country and affects stability, highlighting that individuals have the right to protest peacefully if they feel agitated.
“Protest peacefully, and police won’t intervene. But don’t damage bikes, cars, or businesses,” former police spokesperson noted.
Also Read: Ruto Leads ‘We Want Peace’ Chants, Issues Plea Over Protests
In addition, he emphasized that there should be consequences when a police officer behaves improperly, clarifying that the level of force used by the police is influenced by the force they encounter.
Charles Owino Explain the Need for the Police to Use Live Bullets
Aside, on July 15, the current Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) Council called upon Kenyans to face the reality, especially during the recent protests against the government and a court decision that says police can’t use force to break up crowds.
Owino stressed that it was necessary for police to use live bullets to stop property damage. He also said that the stealing and damaging of both private and public property during protests happened because the court stopped the police from taking strong actions.
“We must first of all as a country agree that this is our country and we must protect it,” he stated.
He added that police needed to be allowed to use live bullets, especially on hooligan protestors as seen on June 25.
Also Read: LIVE UPDATES: Heavy Police Presence in Nairobi CBD Ahead of Tuesday Protests
What the law says
According to the Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) Act of 2011, the use of force by the police is warranted only when non-violent means are ineffective (Sixth Schedule, Article A1).
Furthermore, it also explicitly mentions the principle of proportionality on which the use of force must be based and refers specifically to the objective to be achieved and the resistance faced (Sixth Schedule, Article A2).
However, contrary to international norms, the Act permits the use of lethal force not
only to protect life, but also to protect property and prevent escapes (Sixth Schedule, Article B1).
Also to note, according to the international standards such as the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, the United Nations Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal: lethal force can be used only in expectational circumstances.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
