NAIROBI — As Kenya grapples with rising tension over recent police brutality, former police spokesperson Charles Owino has come out strongly against what he calls the dangerous slide into “anarchy” in the name of protest.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Owino cautioned that street violence, however justified the anger may be, cannot replace lawful means of addressing political or police wrongdoing.
“The police are tasked with keeping law and order,” Owino said. “There is no room for anarchy. If someone wants to overthrow leadership through chaos, then you might as well become a guerrilla and face the military.”
His remarks come days after public fury erupted over the death of Albert Ojwang’, a teacher who died in police custody. The killing triggered protests across Nairobi and other towns. Demonstrators demanded the arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, blaming him for overseeing what they say is a pattern of unchecked police violence.
During one such protest, a street vendor was shot in the head by a police bullet. The hawker remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital. The shooting has only deepened public outrage.
The National Police Service has since suspended two officers Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono in connection with the shooting. Investigations are reportedly ongoing.
Owino acknowledged that police can and do make mistakes. But he urged Kenyans to speak up constructively, not destructively.
“Let us work together,” he said. “It’s not wrong to point out when the police have gone wrong. But we must do it respectfully, without tearing down the very structures meant to protect us.”
The government, meanwhile, faces increasing pressure ahead of planned demonstrations on 25 June, dubbed the “Gen Z anniversary protests.” Organisers say they aim to honour victims of police violence and demand justice.
The police have promised they’re prepared both to maintain peace and to avoid further bloodshed. Still, tension is running high.
As the nation looks ahead to another round of demonstrations, voices like Owino’s highlight the deep divide over how best to hold power to account and at what cost.
In his final remarks, Owino reminded viewers that Kenya is not disposable.
“This is our country,” he said. “We will not get another. And we won’t get another police service either.”
