The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a firm warning to all police officers ahead of planned protests on June 25. This comes days after public outrage over the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker shot in the head by police during anti-government protests on June 17.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, speaking on Radio Citizen, condemned the incident and promised serious legal consequences for officers who misuse their firearms. He emphasized that rogue officers will be held personally accountable, warning that the era of impunity is coming to an end.
As tensions rise ahead of the protests, the NPS is under pressure to rein in its officers and avoid turning peaceful demonstrations into deadly confrontations.
Reckless Use of Guns by Police Sparks Public Outrage
The reckless use of guns by some police officers has placed the National Police Service under intense public scrutiny. The most recent case involved the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a mask hawker, during the protests on Tuesday, June 17. He was hit in the head with what is believed to be a rubber bullet along Mondlane Street in Nairobi.
The attack was caught on video and widely shared, triggering national anger and renewed debate over police brutality.
Kariuki is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. According to a hospital statement, he is one of 16 patients admitted with gunshot and blunt force injuries during the protest.
The officers allegedly involved, Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station, are now facing legal action. Muchiri Nyaga said their prosecution would serve as an example to others who might be tempted to misuse firearms during future demonstrations.
“When I saw how that officer shot the hawker, I asked myself what was really happening,” Muchiri said. “This is not what our training or the law permits.”
Under the National Police Service Act, Section 61(2), police are only allowed to use firearms in extreme situations—such as saving lives, preventing serious injuries, or stopping a felony. Using a gun to disperse a crowd is illegal.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also weighed in, warning officers that firearms must only be used when all other means fail and only to protect lives under immediate threat.
NPS Warns of Harsh Penalties for Officers Who Break the Law
The warning issued by the NPS is not just a media stunt. According to Muchiri, officers who defy firearm protocols will face full legal consequences—no matter their rank or reason.
This firm stance comes ahead of the highly anticipated protests scheduled for June 25. Muchiri made it clear that the government supports the right to demonstrate peacefully but will not tolerate abuse of power by security forces.
“The police have been trained on how and when to use a gun,” he said. “These are not weapons of intimidation—they are tools for saving lives when there is no other option.”
This declaration marks a turning point in police accountability in Kenya, especially at a time when the force is often accused of brutality and unlawful killings.
Muchiri’s warning is a rare moment of clarity from a government official, and it gives a glimmer of hope to Kenyans who have long called for reforms in how the police handle public gatherings.
Public Demands Action Beyond Empty Words
While the NPS has taken the first step by acknowledging wrongdoing, Kenyans are demanding more than just words. Civil society groups, human rights defenders, and the general public want systemic change—starting with strict enforcement of existing laws.
They argue that a culture of impunity has enabled rogue officers to act without fear. Many also believe that police leadership has failed to punish those who break the law.
With June 25 fast approaching, the NPS is under intense pressure to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed during the June 17 protests.
Muchiri has promised that officers will be deployed with clear rules of engagement and strict supervision. However, critics remain skeptical, pointing to a long history of broken promises and cover-ups.
Still, some progress has been made. IPOA has confirmed it is closely monitoring the current situation and will not hesitate to take action against any officer who uses excessive force.
For now, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the police—and whether they will honour their oath to serve and protect all Kenyans without fear or favour.
