NPS Warns Police Officers Ahead of Wednesday Protests Over Firearm Misuse
The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a strong warning to all police officers across the country regarding the misuse of firearms ahead of the planned demonstrations set to take place on Wednesday, June 25.
Speaking during a morning interview on Radio Citizen on Monday, June 23, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga urged officers to act with discipline and avoid using guns unnecessarily during the protests. He emphasized that any officer found misusing firearms will face serious legal consequences.
Muchiri pointed out that the tragic shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who sells masks, during the previous week’s demonstrations, was completely unjustified.
He stated that disciplinary action has already been taken against the two police officers involved in that incident, and they will be prosecuted in court to ensure justice is served.
This move, he said, should send a strong message to other officers about the dangers of disregarding the law.
“Our officers are properly trained on how and when to use their weapons. They are also well-informed about the laws that guide firearm use.
What happened last week was totally against those rules,” said Muchiri. “I was at home watching when the shooting occurred, and I could not believe what I was seeing.
That officer’s actions shocked me. We have taken both officers to court, and this is going to be a clear warning to others who may be tempted to misuse their guns.”
He further explained that Kenyan law lays out very clear guidelines for police officers on how firearms should be used. Officers are only allowed to use guns in extremely serious situations — such as when there is a real threat to someone’s life or to prevent a dangerous criminal from escaping.
Under Section 61(2) of the National Police Service Act, police officers are only permitted to use firearms in life-threatening situations or to stop a crime where serious harm could happen. Even in tense situations like protests, the law demands restraint.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also weighed in, reminding officers that they are not allowed to use firearms when managing crowds or dispersing public gatherings.
IPOA made it clear that the use of a gun is only allowed as a last resort — and only when all other methods have failed — and solely to protect the life of the officer or another person in immediate danger.
The incident involving Kariuki occurred on Tuesday, June 17, along Mondlane Street in Nairobi, during anti-government protests.
He was shot in the head with what reports say was a rubber bullet, which caused serious injuries to his upper body, particularly the head.
The shooting sparked outrage across the country, especially on social media, where Kenyans expressed anger over the increasing cases of police brutality.
Kariuki is currently recovering at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The hospital confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, June 18, that they had received 16 other patients from the protests.
These patients had suffered injuries from gunshots and blunt force trauma, showing the level of violence that occurred during the demonstrations.
The two police officers identified in connection with Kariuki’s shooting and assault are Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono, who are attached to the Kileleshwa Police Station. They have both been arrested and will be prosecuted for their actions.
Muchiri Nyaga concluded his remarks by warning all police officers that the NPS will not tolerate lawlessness within its own ranks and that accountability is being taken seriously as the country heads into another round of protests.
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