The National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, has issued a strong warning to police officers nationwide against the unlawful use of firearms during the upcoming protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Citizen on Monday, June 23, Nyaga said any officer found misusing their weapon will face serious legal consequences.
He cited the recent shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki in Nairobi as a clear case of misconduct, confirming that the two officers involved have been taken to court.
“I was shocked by the footage,” said Nyaga. “That is not how officers are trained to use firearms. This incident will serve as a lesson.”
Under Kenyan law, police officers may only use firearms in life-threatening situations. Both the National Police Service Act and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) explicitly prohibit the use of guns to disperse protests.
Kariuki was shot in the head with a rubber bullet during the June 17 protests along Mondlane Street and is currently recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The two officers involved Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono of Kileleshwa Police Station have since been identified and are facing legal action.
Kenyatta Hospital confirmed receiving 16 injured protesters that day, many with gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma, raising further concerns over the handling of peaceful demonstrations.