Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Warns Against Politicizing Security Operations

 

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has issued a passionate appeal to Kenyans to exercise restraint and responsibility when discussing or handling issues touching on national security. Speaking in Eldoret, Ngetich cautioned that the current wave of political commentary and public debate surrounding the concealment of identities by security officers poses a potential risk to the nation’s safety if handled carelessly.

He said while the 2010 Constitution rightly calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, those principles must be applied with an understanding of the unique and sensitive nature of security work. Ngetich argued that security operations, particularly those involving intelligence, counterterrorism, and tactical responses, cannot be managed under the same level of public scrutiny as ordinary public service activities.

“We live in a democratic age where Kenyans rightly demand accountability from public servants,” said Ngetich. “However, we must appreciate that matters of security are complex. They require sober debate, not blanket condemnation or political manipulation. Our officers face real dangers every day, and we must not expose them to further risks in the name of transparency.”

Security and Safety of Officers at Risk

The activist pointed out that security officers, especially those working in elite tactical or undercover units, often conceal their faces or identities for legitimate operational and personal safety reasons. Revealing their identities, he warned, could expose them and their families to threats, intimidation, or even violent attacks from criminal networks.

“Forcing security officers to wear name tags or to publicly display their identities while handling sensitive operations is like handing criminals a list of their enemies,” Ngetich said. “If these officers are targeted and eliminated because of exposure, then no one — not even ordinary citizens — will be safe.”

Ngetich emphasized that Kenya’s security forces operate under strict regulations and that every unit has designated commanding officers who are accountable for their teams’ conduct. He argued that accountability should therefore be pursued through institutional mechanisms rather than exposing individual officers.

“Our constitution and existing laws already provide frameworks for holding officers accountable,” he added. “Let us strengthen those mechanisms instead of endangering the very people we rely on for protection.”

Global Practices and Context

The Eldoret-based activist noted that concealing the identities of officers in sensitive roles is a global best practice, not a Kenyan anomaly. He cited examples from countries such as the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, where plain-clothed and masked officers conduct security operations, particularly in high-risk missions, counterterrorism, and VIP protection.

“Every country that values its national security understands the need for operational secrecy,” Ngetich stated. “VIP protection officers, intelligence agents, and tactical response units often operate in plain clothes. This is not about avoiding accountability; it is about staying alive long enough to keep others safe.”

Balancing Human Rights and National Security

While reaffirming his unwavering commitment to human rights, Ngetich cautioned fellow activists, legal experts, and politicians against stretching democratic freedoms to a level that could jeopardize national stability. He said that even the world’s most celebrated human rights leaders would never expose the identities of officers engaged in dangerous assignments in the name of activism.

“Even if we woke up and found Martin Luther King Jr. as President of the United States, he would not go as far as exposing undercover security personnel handling sensitive operations,” Ngetich remarked. “In times of war or peace, the success of security operations depends heavily on tactics, camouflage, and confidentiality.”

He added that Kenya’s history of dealing with terrorism, organized crime, and violent extremism should serve as a reminder of how vital discretion and professionalism are to national security efforts.

Call to the Judiciary and Parliament

Ngetich also directed his message to the judiciary, urging judges and magistrates to be mindful of the implications of their rulings on the safety of officers. He warned that certain court orders—though well-intentioned—could inadvertently make officers targets of revenge or retaliation by criminals.

“The judiciary must be sensitive to the potential consequences of its decisions,” he said. “Justice must protect both the citizen and the officer who risks his life to uphold that justice.”

He further called upon Parliament to review and strengthen laws relating to oversight of security agencies, particularly by enhancing the accountability of commanding officers in each formation rather than focusing on individual officers in the field.

“We should channel our energy toward strengthening internal oversight and ensuring that the heads of security formations take full responsibility for their units,” Ngetich said. “That is how we build professional and accountable institutions without compromising the safety of those who serve.”

Preserving Democracy Without Compromising Security

Ngetich concluded by urging Kenyans to embrace a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation between citizens and security agencies. He emphasized that democracy, human rights, and security are not mutually exclusive but must complement one another to create a stable and prosperous nation.

“The exercise of democracy, rights, and freedoms should never be turned into a weapon that threatens our country’s peace and stability,” he said. “Instead, it should build cohesion, understanding, and partnership between the people and those entrusted with their safety.”

He reminded Kenyans that security officers are part of the community, with families and aspirations, and deserve both respect and protection from society.

“Let us not set citizens against their protectors. A country that undermines its security agencies endangers itself,” Ngetich concluded. “Democracy must go hand in hand with responsibility.”