Charles Owino, the chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) and former Police Spokesperson, recently defended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for its use of unmarked vehicles and civilian attire during the recent Gen Z protests.
This defense follows a high court order that required DCI officers to stop hiding their identities while deployed during demonstrations.
Owino explained that the DCI has a standard operating procedure that involves using unmarked vehicles and not wearing uniforms to maintain undercover operations.
He argued that these methods are essential for effective law enforcement, especially in situations that require discreet intelligence gathering and suspect apprehension.
According to him, requiring DCI officers to wear uniforms would reduce their ability to blend in with the public, thus hindering their investigative efforts.
The Gen Z protests, which were marked by significant unrest and violence, saw DCI officers operating in unmarked Subarus and concealing their faces.
Owino defended this approach, stating that it was crucial for the officers to effectively manage and control the chaotic situation.
The use of unmarked vehicles allowed the officers to blend in and operate without drawing attention, which was necessary to identify and arrest individuals involved in criminal activities.
During these protests, the situation was particularly volatile, with many young people participating and some engaging in violent behavior. Owino noted that the officers were tasked with addressing these disturbances and ensuring public safety.
The DCI's methods, including the use of unmarked vehicles and civilian clothing, helped them to operate discreetly and prevent further escalation of violence.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which has been critical of the DCI's approach, took the matter to court, arguing that the use of concealed identities contributed to the rising number of abductions and forced disappearances.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo has been vocal in condemning the police for what she describes as excessive use of force and has called for the unconditional release of all detained protestors.
The LSK's concern centers on the treatment of protestors and the allegations of abductions carried out by the police.
Owino suggested that the LSK’s legal action might be influenced by their specific interests, particularly in addressing the concerns about abductions.
He emphasized that the DCI’s tactics were necessary to handle the violence and criminal activities that surfaced during the protests.
The situation required a strategic approach to manage the protests effectively and to apprehend those involved in illegal activities.
Recent data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reveals that 60 protestors died, and 66 others remain missing following the demonstrations. This alarming number of casualties and disappearances has led to increased scrutiny of the police's actions during the protests.
In response, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the conduct of the police, focusing on the top officials responsible for overseeing the operations.
The IPOA's investigation is targeting high-ranking police officials, including interim Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei.
The aim of the probe is to hold these officials accountable for their role in the incidents that occurred during the protests.
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