The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a firm warning to all officers against the reckless use of guns during the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25.
The caution comes after a hawker, Boniface Kariuki, was shot in the head during protests along Mondlane Street in Nairobi last week. The incident sparked public outrage and drew attention to the growing concern over how police officers handle firearms in civilian settings.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, speaking on Radio Citizen on Monday, June 23, confirmed that disciplinary and legal action had already begun against the officers involved.
He stressed that any misuse of firearms, especially during the upcoming protests, would lead to serious consequences.
Reckless Use of Guns Has Legal Consequences
The warning from NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga is not just a reminder — it’s a clear statement of intent.
He said, “The police have been educated on how and when to use guns. What we saw last week is completely against the law.” He added that the two officers who shot Kariuki, identified as Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station, have already been taken to court. “This will serve as a lesson to others,” Nyaga noted.
Kariuki, a mask hawker, was shot during protests on June 17. He sustained serious injuries to the upper part of his body and is currently admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to reports, he was shot with a rubber bullet, but the impact was enough to cause head injuries. The hospital also confirmed that 16 other protestors were admitted with gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and NPS both agree that firearms should be used only under strict conditions. According to Section 61(2) of the National Police Service Act, an officer is only allowed to discharge a firearm if life is at risk, in self-defense, or to prevent escape during a felony.
IPOA added, “A firearm must not be used to disperse crowds. It should be a last resort, used only when all other means fail and there’s a real threat to life.”
Officers Urged to Follow the Law
Muchiri reminded officers that the law is clear and strict about firearm use. Officers are trained not only on how to use weapons but also on the legal implications of misuse.
“When I saw the video of the officer shooting at the hawker, I asked myself what was really going on,” said Muchiri. “That behavior does not reflect the law or the values of our service.”
The NPS is under increasing pressure to control its officers and maintain professionalism, especially in high-tension events like the upcoming protests. Muchiri emphasized that every officer must take personal responsibility and act within the confines of the law.
This statement comes at a time when Kenyans are expressing rising fear and frustration over police brutality, especially during protests. Civil society groups have called for transparency, accountability, and justice for victims of unnecessary police violence.
Civilian Safety Is Paramount
With more protests expected on June 25, the spotlight is now on the conduct of police officers.
The shooting of Kariuki has become a symbol of what many believe is a growing pattern of forceful suppression of public dissent. Social media has been flooded with images and videos of officers acting with impunity — a situation that Muchiri says must end.
Police have been told to prioritize de-escalation and non-lethal tactics. Officers are also being monitored more closely by oversight bodies like IPOA, which has opened investigations into multiple incidents involving gun use in recent weeks.
Muchiri concluded, “Any officer who disobeys the law, no matter their rank, will face the full force of the law. There will be no cover-ups.”
The Kenyatta National Hospital has confirmed that Kariuki is stable but will need further medical care. Meanwhile, rights activists continue to push for the prosecution of not just the officers involved but also their supervisors who may have failed to act.
As the nation heads toward another protest day, all eyes are on how the police will conduct themselves. The NPS warning is a signal that the days of careless firearm use may be numbered — but only if the law is truly enforced.
