Former Police Spokesman Reveals How Kenya Police Are Trained For Protests
Former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino has explained how officers are trained to deal with violent protesters at demonstrations.
Owino explained that traditionally, police are trained to begin with a proclamation.
“You start by asking people, that everyone gathered here is being commanded to disperse and leave immediately,” he said on Thursday during an interview with Citizen TV.
Owino stated that this is the responsibility of the Inspector, who is in charge of the police officers.
He stated that if the protesters refuse to disperse, the police can use tear gas.
Charles Owino – Chair, KIMC: Will rubber bullets stop those destroying property? That's when firearms are used. We need to face reality. We must give police power to bite. We were taught to target the ring leader if necessary #CitizenDayBreak @TrevorOmbija pic.twitter.com/LzhYHhZ8Mg
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 4, 2024
“When they refuse, you use your teargas and baton (rungu) to disperse them,” Owino said.
When it comes to property destruction, police use firearms, according to Owino.
“I hear people say police should use rubber bullets. But will it stop them?” he posed.
He stated that Kenyans must accept the reality that police must be given “power to bite”.
Owino claims that when officers were taught how to use firearms, they were instructed to target the ringleader of a group if the situation was extremely dangerous.
“You say the tall guy with a red hat, aim then fire! Those are the procedures and it happens,” Owino said.
He stated that police are trained to reduce casualties as much as possible.
Owino acknowledged that the Constitution grants the right to picket, but added that there is a procedure to follow.
“The procedure is that if you want to assemble, to picket, it must be peaceful and disciplined and you must not be armed,” he said.
He mentioned that recently in Bondo, protesters attacked a police officer, which he described as a provocation.
Owino stated that such provocation may prompt the police to use their firearms on the protesters.
Furthermore, he stated that if police do not use firearms, bad people and criminals will be fearless during protests.
Owino stated that citizens can overpower police officers.
“If you are five to ten police officers against 1,000 protesters, how do you react? How do you manage your firearm and teargas, how do you manage this situation?” he said.
Former Police Spokesman Reveals How Kenya Police Are Trained For Protests
