'Protect Security Officers from Civilian Harassment,' Activist Urges CS Murkomen and IG Kanja After Ol Kalou Incident

 Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently intervene and protect security officers from what he describes as growing harassment, intimidation and interference by civilians during the execution of their constitutional duties.

In a detailed statement issued through the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy – Eldoret, Ngetich expressed concern over recent incidents in which members of the public have allegedly forcefully searched police officers and inspected their personal belongings while they were on official assignments.

The activist warned that the trend, if left unchecked, could undermine national security, expose sensitive intelligence, demoralize law enforcement officers and weaken the country's security apparatus.

According to Ngetich, the Constitution of Kenya guarantees citizens fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to seek information from public institutions and demand accountability from state officers. However, he argued that these constitutional provisions should not be interpreted as granting civilians authority to physically search police officers, inspect their bags or interfere with security operations.

He maintained that while security officers are required to identify themselves when necessary and conduct themselves professionally, operational security must remain protected, especially during intelligence-led assignments.

Ngetich noted that officers deployed on security missions often carry confidential documents, intelligence reports, operational maps, communication equipment and information relating to wanted suspects or ongoing investigations. He warned that exposing such information to unauthorized persons could jeopardize police operations, compromise investigations and endanger both officers and members of the public.

The activist further argued that security operations rely heavily on confidentiality and that exposing operational details before or during deployment could allow criminal networks to evade arrest or reorganize their activities.

He cautioned that allowing civilians to search officers without lawful authority could create a dangerous precedent that may eventually lead to theft of firearms, communication gadgets, official documents, mobile phones or other government property issued to officers during operations.

Ngetich also expressed concern that continued public confrontations with police officers could embolden criminal groups by portraying law enforcement agencies as weak or incapable of protecting themselves while carrying out official duties.

He urged the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to protecting officers from unlawful interference while at the same time ensuring they remain accountable under the Constitution and the law.

The activist cited practices in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, arguing that although police accountability is highly valued in those jurisdictions, civilians do not possess statutory powers to stop and search police officers, inspect police vehicles or examine official equipment without lawful authority or judicial oversight.

According to him, such powers are reserved for legally established oversight institutions and independent investigative agencies operating within clearly defined legal frameworks.

Ngetich emphasized that accountability of the police should be pursued through constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than through confrontational actions by members of the public.

He warned that if such incidents continue, they could expose officers to unnecessary risks while undermining public confidence in Kenya's security institutions.

The activist further alleged that some political leaders were encouraging confrontational behavior against police officers for political gain, particularly as the country gradually enters the campaign period ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He called on investigative agencies to establish whether there were organized efforts to incite civilians to interfere with police operations and urged authorities to take appropriate legal action against anyone found to be orchestrating unlawful activities.

Ngetich said police officers remain public servants who dedicate their lives to maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property and responding to emergencies, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

He argued that while misconduct by individual officers should always be investigated through established legal institutions, blanket hostility toward all security personnel risks damaging morale within the National Police Service.

The activist also called on the Office of the Attorney General to work closely with the Ministry of Interior, the National Police Service and Parliament's Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security to develop clearer legal guidelines on the limits of civilian interaction with police officers during active security operations.

He said Parliament should consider whether additional legislation or policy guidelines are necessary to protect both constitutional rights and operational security without undermining public accountability.

Ngetich maintained that Kenya's democratic space should not be interpreted as permitting actions that expose officers, compromise intelligence or interfere with lawful security operations.

He urged citizens to continue exercising their constitutional freedoms responsibly, noting that respect for the rule of law remains essential in safeguarding both civil liberties and national security.

The statement comes in the wake of recent events in Ol Kalou, where security officers were confronted by members of the public during a political gathering, triggering national debate over the limits of civilian oversight, police accountability and operational independence.

The incident has generated mixed reactions from political leaders, legal experts, civil society organizations and members of the public, with some emphasizing the importance of police accountability while others warn against actions that could compromise security operations or place officers at unnecessary risk.

Ngetich concluded by urging the government not to treat the matter casually, warning that failure to address the issue promptly could encourage further confrontations between civilians and security officers, potentially threatening both public order and national security.

He called for a balanced approach that protects the constitutional rights of Kenyans while ensuring that police officers carrying out lawful duties are able to operate safely, professionally and without unlawful interference.