Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has appealed to Kenyans to embrace the reality of officers using firearms on them as part of the country’s standard policing practice.

Speaking to a local TV on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Owino called out a section of Kenyans and right groups for misleading the Kenyan youth that the police cannot use firearms on them.

Face reality

“Do not lie to the public that police will not use firearms against you. The police must be responsible, and we have officers facing the law for their misdeeds, but do not lie to young people that the police will not use guns on them. Let us face the reality as a community and society,” he stated.

Responsible policing

Owino, who now oversees the National Communication Centre, reiterated his stance on responsible policing while demanding a similar demeanour from the public.

“I do not advocate unlawful killing, but what I also do not accept is indiscipline. Both police and public must be disciplined,” he stated.

“This is our country; we must deal with rogue officers and our own discipline as our country,” he stated.

The former police spokesman further challenged human rights bodies to take an active role in deterring youths from violent tendencies.

“Even in this discussion, we are only talking about deaths. Can we discuss parameters? It should work for KNCHR. I want to see them getting out and educating the youth and asking them not to be violent or burn properties. Let’s not see one side where we weaponise the youths,” he added.

Pursuing change

Speaking at the same event, Owino called on the youth to pursue change through the ballot box rather than through violent protests.
He emphasised the need for civic education at all levels, from the family unit to national platforms aimed at empowering young people to make informed decisions during elections.

“If the youth are dissatisfied with how the government is running its affairs, we need to educate them to use their vote wisely and choose the right candidates rather than resorting to violent demonstrations.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right. We should invest money in educating the youth. A lot of education needs to be carried out, starting from our families to the national level; we should have a lot of education,” Owino stated.