Practice self-control during protests, chaplain urges police

Anti-riot police should practice self-control when dealing with protesters, Disciplined Services Chaplain Father Peter Kimani has said.

Kimani urged the officers to restrain themselves from acts that may cause destruction and loss of property during the anti-government demonstrations by Gen Z.

He said police officers should not respond to protesting youth in a provocative manner that is likely to lead other people into lawlessness.

Police officers have been accused of using excessive force during past protests.

“Police officers should be disciplined and have self-restraint when controlling crowds. Do not overstretch the arms that are given to you for the benefit of all parties,” Kimani said.

He spoke Southern Nyanza region prayer service for uniformed and disciplined officers at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Homa Bay town.

Kimani also urged protesters to not provoke security officers during demos.

The cleric said the responsibility of containing Gen Z lies with parents.

This can be done by talking to the children about consequences their actions, he said.

“It’s wrong for youths to leave their homes to go and destroy property during demos. The businesses they destroy have their owners fully depend on them as sources of livelihoods,” the cleric said.

Kimani said while the law allows Kenyans to picket, it should not be used to cause anarchy and destroy the country.

“Let everyone be accountable for what they do. Kenyans should start correcting themselves before they engaging in street protests,” he said.

The prayer service was attended by heads of different security units from Migori, Nyamira, Kisii and Homa Bay.

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Critical Infrastructure Police Unit, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service and National Youth Service also attended.

Homa Bay deputy county commissioner Charles Mwayaya led the prayer meeting.

He called for reforms to address the issues currently affecting the country.

Mwayaya asked the youth to give President William Ruto enough time to deal with some of the issues.

“He had already dissolved his Cabinet and cut funding to some offices. Let him continue serving the country," he said.

The administrator asked the church to advocate for peace in the county. Mwayaya urged the clergy to speak to youth to avert further crisis.