Kenyan law provides strict guidelines on when police can use firearms.
Officers are only permitted to shoot when life is in immediate danger — either their own or a civilian’s.
Firearms may also be used to prevent serious harm to property or people, stop suspects charged with grave offences like murder from escaping, or prevent the rescue of dangerous criminals.
However, the law emphasises that officers must first attempt peaceful methods such as verbal warnings.
Force must always be proportional and only applied when absolutely necessary.
These legal provisions are outlined in the National Police Service Act (Sixth Schedule, 2011) and Article 18 of the Penal Code.
This framework aims to ensure that law enforcement actions respect human rights while maintaining public safety.
Violations of these provisions may amount to criminal offences, including unlawful shootings or excessive force.
