Police trained on humane handling of protests after Gen Z demo fiasco

The government has begun training police officers on the use of non-lethal force in crowd control in efforts to curb killings and brutality during demonstrations.

Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the training is aimed at ensuring police better manage protests.

“The government has made significant steps in enhancing its capacity to manage public demonstrations in a manner that upholds human rights and minimises harm,” Murkomen said.

The CS said officers have undergone comprehensive training focused on the use of non-lethal methods in crowd control management.

The aim is to ensure that public order is maintained while safeguarding the safety and dignity of all individuals involved.

Human rights defenders had indicated that more than 60 people were killed by police during the demos.

Public and private properties worth millions of shillings were also destroyed in the demos, which were triggered by the controversial passage of the Finance Bill, 2024.

In addition, the government has invested in the acquisition of modern and non-lethal anti-riot equipment that meets internationally acceptable standards.

“This equipment is specifically designed to control crowds effectively without causing injury or health effects to demonstrators,” he said.

Additionally, officers have been directed to conduct pre-engagement protocols with demonstration organisers as provided for under the Public Order Act.

“These engagements are intended to establish clear communication regarding expectations, designated routes and the responsibilities of all parties involved,” he stated.

All commanders should remind the organisers of the demos of their responsibility to maintain order within their ranks and that they will be held accountable for any acts of commission or omission in the course of their demonstrations.

This is even as the government maintained that only 42 people were killed and 347 others injured across 16 counties—with Nairobi accounting for 233—during the Gen Z protests held  across the country. 

Some 30 people were injured in Kisii, 15 in Machakos, 10 each in Kisumu and Kakamega, nine in Nyamira and seven each in Kajiado and Homa Bay.

Property of unknown value was destroyed, with several business premises broken into and looted.

“The overall economic loss from the anti-finance bill demonstrations is estimated to run into millions of shillings. However, due to the significant number of unreported cases, the National Police Service lacks data on the exact inventory and value of property that was looted, damaged or lost during the unrest,” Murkomen said.

According to the CS, while the demos were meant to be peaceful, they were infiltrated by ‘criminal gangs’ who looted, destroyed and breached vital government installations.

“A total of 791 individuals were arrested across the country in connection with the protests,” he said.