Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, also known as Babu Owino, has raised the alarm over the continued presence of police officers wearing masks during protests, defying a recent court ruling.
He has urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to enforce a judgment that declared the use of masks by law enforcement during public demonstrations illegal.
In a strongly worded statement, Babu Owino criticized the blatant disregard of the ruling made by Justice Bahati Mwamuye.
The judge had ruled that police officers covering their faces while handling protests goes against the values of accountability and transparency.
The court emphasized that face coverings prevent the public from identifying officers, especially when they are using force or other coercive powers.
The MP expressed deep concern that officers are still operating in public protests while hiding their identities, despite the clear decision from the court. “It is completely unacceptable that even after a clear judicial directive, some rogue elements within the police force continue to break the law with no consequences,” Babu said.
To ensure full compliance with the court order, Babu Owino has called on Inspector General Kanja to act without delay.
He is demanding that the police leadership issue strict instructions to prevent officers from wearing masks during public duties.
“No member of the police service should interact with the public while hiding their face—especially not when they are using force on behalf of the government,” the MP added. He stressed that this practice erodes public trust and contributes to a culture of fear and repression.
Babu further warned that Kenya risks returning to an era of faceless oppression if such practices are allowed to continue.
He said that police officers, like all other citizens, must obey the law. “The law is not optional—it must be followed by everyone, particularly those given the power to uphold and enforce it,” he stated firmly.
The issue has gained renewed urgency following a recent protest on Thursday, June 12. During the demonstrations, Kenyans poured into the streets demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a man who allegedly died while in police custody.
In a dramatic moment captured on video, well-known activist Shakira Wafula approached a masked officer and forcefully removed his face covering. The officer had been deployed to break up the protests.
The footage showed Wafula reaching for the cloth covering the officer’s face. Despite the officer’s attempts to shield himself, she managed to pull the mask off before fleeing the scene.
The video went viral on social media, sparking national conversations about the continued use of masks by police during public operations.
The controversy around masked officers has been a hot topic since the 2024 Gen Z protests, where several demonstrators were reportedly killed by police.
However, identifying the responsible officers proved difficult because many of them had concealed their faces. This lack of accountability caused public outrage and prompted legal action.
Babu Owino’s latest remarks are a reminder that justice must be seen to be done, especially when it involves those entrusted with enforcing the law.
He insists that hiding behind masks has no place in a democratic society, particularly when dealing with citizens exercising their right to protest peacefully.
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