Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has defended the arrest of people involved in violent protests, saying security agencies are acting within the law to maintain order and protect the public.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, he said police officers are required to intervene when demonstrations turn violent, especially where there is destruction of property, road blockages and attacks on civilians or security officers.
Dr. Omollo said while police are doing their job by making arrests, the courts and the wider criminal justice system must also ensure offenders are held accountable. “The assurance I can give is that we will do our part, but everybody else must do their part,” he said.
The PS questioned lenient bail terms for suspects accused of serious offences such as arson and destruction of property, arguing that weak penalties may encourage repeat offences.
“You burn someone’s property, you are taken to court and released on a Sh500 bail. What deterrence will we have tomorrow?” He posed.
Dr. Omollo also condemned attacks on police officers during protests, citing an incident in Kangemi in Nairobi County where a regional police commander was assaulted.
He said actions such as blocking highways, intimidating motorists, destroying property and disrupting transport networks amount to criminal activity rather than peaceful protest.
“Security agencies have a duty to intervene, restore order and make arrests where offences are committed,” he said.
“The National Police Service (NPS) remains a cornerstone of our democracy. Without strong institutions to uphold law and order, the rights we so readily demand lose their meaning,’ he said.
Dr. Omollo said burning of a police station, the torching of a vehicle, and attacks on court buildings reflect a disturbing hostility toward institutions of justice and a growing acceptance of destructive protest that should concern all Kenyans.
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