(Kenya) Coronavirus Curfew: Tough- Talking Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Responds to Allegations Leveled against the Kenyan Police about the use of excessive force while enforcing the Curfew

(Kenya) Coronavirus Curfew: Tough- Talking Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Responds to Allegations Leveled against the Kenyan Police about the use of excessive force while enforcing the Curfew on Friday, March 27, 2020

Coronavirus: Ignorance is no defense, the covid 19 curfew is still on; Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Confirms

Police spokesperson Charles Owino has responded to the numerous allegations leveled against the Kenyan police citing the use of excessive force to enforce the curfew.

This follows the numerous complaints raised by Kenyans who for one reason or the other did not meet the curfew deadline: 7.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. every day.

In Mombasa, there was a mad rush by the residents especially those who are forced to use the ferry daily to meet the 7.00 p.m. deadline. This necessitated the extension of the curfew time by one and a half hours.

The President announced that the curfew will be effected starting today on Friday March 27, 2020. It will be enforced between 7.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. The curfew is aimed at minimizing unnecessary movements by Kenyans hence reducing potential exposure to the risk of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kenyans were also warned against ruffling the feathers of the police force in as far as the Curfew is concerned.

Ignorance is no defense

Speaking live on Citizen TV, Charles Owino made it clear that the curfew is still on and the Kenyan police force is well prepared to enforce it.

The police spokesperson also said that the viral clips incriminating the Kenyan police cannot hold water since the police are protecting the health of the very people who are very quick to point accusatory fingers.

Mr. Owino also added that it is time Kenyans learnt to obey the law instead of engaging the police in “Cat and Mouse” games.

Besides, these are tough times and Kenyans need to be made aware of the crisis that the Coronavirus Pandemic is likely to create if it quickly spreads.

We are a third world country. This means that if coronavirus cases go up, our health systems and the economy will be crippled.

Mr. Owino proceeded to compare Kenya with first world countries like Italy, whose systems have been paralyzed forcing Cuban doctors to extend a helping hand to combat the coronavirus. If Italy with all its resources has been unable to combat the covid-19 pandemic, what about Kenya, a country whose economy is still struggling?

If the people who are complaining had gone home before 7.00 p.m. they would not have found themselves on the wrong side.

“The law is clear and Kenyans should learn to be law-abiding citizens,” said Owino.

Provocation

Mr. Owino further added saying that although it is absolutely wrong for trained police officers to use excessive force while enforcing the coronavirus curfew; the citizens should also avoid provoking them.

He cited cases of citizens hailing stones at police officers and failing to follow simple instructions to enrage the police force.

Charles Owino said that police officers are human beings who are bound to get irritated if provoked.

Therefore, Kenyans should keep their part of their bargain, go home early and leave the police to do their work in peace!