Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki is under scrutiny following his controversial remarks regarding the recent anti-Finance Bill protests.
The protests, marked by clashes between demonstrators and authorities, turned violent when individuals in plain clothes, who were caught on camera shooting at protestors, remained unidentified.
Kindiki’s comments have sparked a significant public debate and raised questions about police accountability in Kenya.
During an interview, Sam Gituku questioned Kindiki on the identity of these armed individuals. He asked, “They are hooded, those that can be seen on camera shooting. Who are those people?”
Kindiki's response, “Do you know them? I am not a police investigator. I am sure even the IG (Inspector General) doesn’t know. Files have been opened on every incident of shooting,” left many Kenyans dissatisfied.
The Interior CS expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the images as evidence, suggesting that they might not be sufficient for a forensic investigation.
He stated, “I don’t think the images could amount to forensic investigation. What you could do as a journalist or as an eyewitness is to help us with that information.
If there were people who were exercising police power and were not police officers, those are criminals and action should be taken against them.”
Kindiki’s comments have ignited public outrage and criticism from various sectors. Many see his remarks as an attempt to deflect responsibility and an indication of inadequate oversight within the police force.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with many users calling for a more thorough investigation into the events.
Critics argue that Kindiki, as the Interior CS, should play a central role in ensuring accountability within the security forces.
His admission of ignorance regarding the individuals involved has been perceived as a failure to effectively address the issue.
Moreover, his suggestion that journalists and eyewitnesses provide information to identify these individuals has been met with skepticism. It raises concerns about the government's ability to investigate and control security forces.
The incident has also fueled broader debates about police conduct and the state’s handling of dissent.
The use of force during protests has been a contentious issue in Kenya, with past incidents drawing condemnation from human rights groups.