Former police spokesman Charles Owino has been criticized by netizens following controversial remarks he made regarding the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old mask vendor who was shot in the head during protests on Tuesday, June 17.
Speaking on Monday, June 30, Owino appeared to suggest that Kariuki provoked the shooting by insulting the officer who pulled the trigger.
"If you listen closely to that clip of Boniface Kariuki, the man who was shot while selling masks, you'll hear that boy insulting the policeman. Police may use their firearm in certain circumstances," he said.
Owino's remarks have sparked outrage online, with Kenyans accusing him of defending an act of police brutality and shifting blame to the victim.
One user, Izzoh Isaac, criticized Owino for normalizing the use of deadly force in response to verbal confrontation.
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"And since when did it become a rule that the sentence for insulting a police officer is a headshot? Were there any other means like arresting the man, because there were two police officers and they could have easily arrested him. Politicians take Kenyans for granted and they want to turn Kenya into their backyard where, when there is any foul event they make archaic rules to justify their evil deeds," he posted.
Another user, Edward Bitok, questioned the justification for using a firearm under such circumstances and called for professionalism and restraint within the police service.
"When did an insult warrant the use of a firearm? Police must learn to exercise restraint unless it’s a situation where their life is threatened. You are not a sensible person at all," he wrote.
Victor, another concerned Kenyan, emphasized the human cost of the shooting and condemned attempts to sanitize the incident.
"Does it mean that the price of an insult is death? Now the son of somebody is brain dead in ICU. At times let's call a spade a spade. Stop sugarcoating such acts," he said.
Check out more reactions below;
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