Interior CS nominee Kithure Kindiki has distanced himself from the police brutality that occurred during the anti-government protests over the past two months.

During his appearance before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments for the vetting session, Kindiki clarified that the police service is an independent entity that operates under the direction of the Inspector General.

Kindiki stated that his role is confined to offering policy guidelines to national security bodies, as specified by the Constitution.

In response to a question from MP Junet Mohamed, who asked why the CS remained silent during the Gen Z protests when protesters were being abducted and killed, Kindiki explained that his role is limited to providing policy guidelines to national security agencies as defined by the Constitution.

“The reason that I didn’t talk every day is because the events were mainly operational issues. The work of the Interior CS as envisaged in Article 245 of the Constitution is to give the organs of national security policy guidance and direction,” Kindiki said.

He further explained that the police operate under an independent command, and only two individuals who can give inspector general of police directives.

“The police is under independent command. There are only two people who can give inspector general of police directives: Interior CS (only on policy issues) and Director of Public Prosecution on matters involving investigations of criminal activity.”

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Kindiki acknowledges protest deaths and commends police efforts.

The CS nominee recognized both the deaths and arrests that occurred during the protests.

“It is unfortunate that during recent protests, we witnessed the deaths of 42 Kenyans, 486 civilians, and 285 police injured. We had about 1,387 arrests, 54 police cars destroyed, and 110 vehicles also destroyed; therefore, I want to say the operational responsibility lies within the National Police Service,” he noted.

However, he praised the police for their efforts and pointed out that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is responsible for investigating and prosecuting officers who used excessive force.

“On a broader scale of things, the police tried their best to protect the country from criminals and arsonists, including those who visited Parliament and wanted to kill MPs.”

The Interior CS nominee emphasized that individual officers should be held accountable for their actions rather than blaming the entire police service.

“The issue of use of firearms by an officer is individual. Any officer has individual responsibility for how to use their firearms. The accountability of Inspect General on the operational order but use of force is an individual responsibility issue,” he pointed out.