Charles Owino slammed for justifying State crackdown

Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has come under fire for the reckless and dismissive remarks he made while defending the State’s actions against anti-government protesters.

As Kenyans continue to demand accountability, fairness, and the right to express their frustrations without fear, Owino has chosen to support a system that is increasingly seen as oppressive and unaccountable.

Activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested on Saturday and accused by police of facilitating terrorism during the June 25 demonstrations held to remember victims of past protests.

Initially, police claimed he would face charges of facilitating terror and illegal possession of ammunition.

But on Monday, the courts dropped the terrorism claims, instead charging him only with possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate.

The inconsistency raised serious questions about the motives behind his arrest. Instead of confronting this troubling misuse of power, Owino brushed it off, stating that it was part of the normal prosecution process.

He claimed that prosecutors had every right to drop charges if they found no merit. While that may be legally true, it ignores the harm already done being accused of terrorism in itself is damaging and frightening.

Owino’s casual tone shows no concern for how such tactics can silence citizens and stifle dissent.

When asked whether the government was using the law to intimidate protesters, Owino responded with a flat “I don’t think so,” refusing to acknowledge what many see as a dangerous abuse of power.

His response lacked any empathy for those who have been arrested, intimidated, and threatened for simply voicing their grievances.

Even more troubling was Owino’s attempt to inject tribal and political undertones into the issue.

He noted that areas like Kisumu, Migori, and Kibera were quiet, but riots had been seen in “unexpected” regions like Central Kenya. Such a statement is not only divisive but also undermines the genuine concerns shared by citizens across the country.

Protests have not been about tribe they have been about bad governance, economic pain, and frustration with those in power.

Although Owino admitted that the youth have valid complaints such as unemployment and police brutality, he quickly shifted the blame back onto them, warning against a “rogue society.” But if the youth are protesting because they feel neglected, abused, and unheard, shouldn’t leaders focus on fixing the system instead of lecturing them?

His call for civic education and peaceful protests would be more believable if he also demanded accountability from the police, who have repeatedly been accused of excessive force and even killings.

Yet Owino made no such demand. Instead, he warned against “weaponizing the youth,” as though the problem lies with the people and not with the institutions meant to serve them.

Mwangi’s arrest, the inconsistent charges, and the quick change in the charge sheet from terror facilitation to possession of tear gas and blanks suggest there was no credible case to begin with.

It was more about sending a message: challenge the State, and you’ll be punished.

Yet Owino, a former high-ranking police officer, refuses to admit this truth. His words only justify a culture of fear.

Even the courts seem to be pushing back. Mwangi was released on a personal bond of Ksh.1 million, and 37 others recently charged with terrorism-related offences were granted bail.

This shows there’s a recognition that these were overreaches by State agencies.Owino had an opportunity to speak up for fairness and integrity. Instead, he chose to downplay the pain of citizens and back a system using heavy-handed tactics.

At a time when the country needs voices of reason and accountability, Owino has failed to rise above outdated loyalties and defend what is right.