Former police spokesman Charles Owino does not regret having fearlessly defended the National Police Service amidst constant accusations of brutality and extrajudicial killings.
Owino, who now serves as the deputy director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons, said he did his best as a public servant who must remain committed and dedicated to his duty.
Owino has been the greatest defender of police officers, especially when accused of brutality and harassment. He spoke during an interview on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday night.
"If a police officer has killed someone or has committed an offence, it does not mean that the entire National Police Service is bad. An officer takes individual responsibility for his or her action," Owino said.
"For Instance, if you're a bishop and one of your children is a criminal, do you stop being a bishop? You let him or her face the full force of the law."
Owino said he remained a public servant and was proud to be a policeman because he loves the job and has no regrets whatsoever.
He said he has never associated himself with any politician or political party. "Our work is to maintain law and order," he said.
“I have always remained candid and respectful to my work and that is what has made me who I am today."
Even though the citizens have the right to assemble and peacefully protest, that does not give them the right to interfere with other people's peace and destroy property, Owino said.
"What we have seen in the past is that most of the agitators engage on the wrong side of the law. I am a police officer and if you have committed an offence, you must face the law. Even if you're my father," Owino said.
During the interview, he kept off politics, saying he is still active in service. Owino is expected to retire in December to join politics. He turned 51 in July.
After leaving the service, Owino will contest the Siaya governor's seat in next year's general election.
Others also expected to run for the seat are Siaya Senator James Orengo, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo and Deputy Governor James Okumbe.
Governor Cornel Rasanga is serving his second and final term.
Owino said he is competent enough to clinch the seat. He said as a graduate of political science and communications, he is well informed and aware of Kenya's dynamic political landscape.
If elected, he said he will ensure Siaya county is completely transformed within 10 years by initiating development projects that are beneficial to residents instead of promoting a culture of handouts.
"My plan is to ensure that sustainable projects like water projects, food security, and health among others are initiated for the benefit of our people. I will transform Siaya to be the best county because I have the brains to do so," Owino said.
Top on his priority list is to ensure there is sufficient food in Siaya county. Owino said he is a serious farmer and has been involved in fish farming. He wants to transform Siaya into a serious food basket.
"I have a big fish farm. I also grow vegetables, keep chicken and all sorts of food items that people require. We must ensure that there is enough food in Siaya and ensure people have money in their pockets and food on the table through serious farming," Owino said.
Being a policeman, Owino says he is a hands-on person and that there shall be no shortcut in his administration.
"My manifesto for Siaya county is not written by a third party. I am personally working on it. My slogan is ugali on the table and money in the pocket," he said.
Owino said Siaya is very rich in resources such as Lake Victoria, Lake Kanyaboli, Yala Swamp and a big chunk of land in Bondo which should be put into serious fruit farming.
"In Uyoma, the land is good for cotton farming, while in Gem, the weather is favourable for dairy farming. We are sitting on a gold mine in Siaya. My duty will be to develop the county," he said.
Owino said the county is also blessed with quality brains because it has the best doctors, teachers, professors, engineers and even police officers who should be incorporated in governance and matters of development.
"We have a lot to manage in our county. All I want is to push Siaya to a higher level from the current status in terms of development," he said.
Owino has served in different positions in the police service including as a trainer at the CID Training School.
"I studied political science and communications at the university and so I understand what politics is," he said.
Edited by P.O
