Charles Owino Issues Chilling Warning to Activists Planning to Sue Govt at ICC: "You Won't Be There"
- Former police spokesperson Charles Owino spoke out against activists threatening to drag government officials to the International Criminal Court, warning them of possible consequences
- Owino condemned recent violent protests, including the torching of police stations, and said such actions would not be tolerated under the guise of human rights
- He urged aggrieved Kenyans to channel their frustrations through the ballot in 2027 rather than resorting to unlawful means
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has issued a stern warning to activists planning to sue Kenyan security officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Source: Twitter
The former police boss made the remarks during an interview with a digital content creator on Sunday, July 6.
His comments followed a series of protests that recently rocked parts of the country, some of which turned violent and saw public property destroyed, including police stations.
What did Charles Owino say about ICC threats?
Owino criticised those he claimed were using the ICC as a tool to intimidate police officers and the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen.
According to him, threatening legal action at The Hague as a way to discourage law enforcement from maintaining order was unacceptable and dangerous.
"You are at liberty to strike. But if you want to torch a police station, I am sorry. You won’t do it," Owino said.
He went on to accuse some activists of trying to "sell fear" to security forces by issuing ICC threats, while allegedly plotting to destabilise the country.
"We will go to ICC, but you won’t be there to see us go," he warned, suggesting that consequences awaited those who incite or engage in violence.
Did Charles Owino imply a threat to activists?
When the interviewer sought clarity on whether his remarks implied physical harm to those threatening court actions, Owino was quick to double down without directly confirming.
He stressed that no one would be allowed to intimidate law enforcement or the Interior Ministry through what he described as manipulative tactics.
He added that while the right to protest is protected, it must be exercised within the law.
In his view, some Kenyans had crossed the line, taking the law into their own hands under the cover of activism.
"There is no opportunity to burn this country. We only have one way, elect good leaders," Owino said, urging citizens to wait until the 2027 General Election to express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box.
Did CS Kipchumba Murkomen issue a shoot-to-kill order
Owino’s remarks come at a time when tensions remain high following widespread demonstrations over government policies, with some activists threatening to take legal steps against police brutality and excessive force.
Interior CS Murkomen made the situation worse when he issued a shoot-to-kill order to the police.
Murkomen's controversial directive that attracted widespread condemnation came a day after the Gen Z protesters staged anniversary demos on June 25 to commemorate their colleagues who were killed during the Anti-Finance Bill protests of June 25, 2024.
The Interior CS issued the orders after visiting the Kikuyu Police station, which was set ablaze by goons who disguised themselves as peaceful protesters.
Despite facing public criticism, Owino defended the CS, arguing that the law allows the police to use their firearm when facing danger.
The former police spokesperson stated that Murkomen issued the directive out of frustration and annoyance at the increasing cases of arson attacks targeting police stations.
During the Gen Z anniversary protests, nine police stations were set ablaze, according to the National Police Service.
Is William Ruto facing ICC threat over police brutality?
In a related development previously covered by TUKO.co.ke, the United Opposition strongly criticised President William Ruto’s administration for what they termed a rising trend of police brutality and extra-judicial killings.
In a joint statement issued on June 18, leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and Martha Karua, warned that they were preparing to take the president to the ICC, citing ongoing violations of constitutional and international laws.
They accused the National Police Service of operating as a rogue force during recent protests, where unarmed civilians were allegedly shot in the Nairobi CBD.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on CS Kipchumba Murkomen's shoot-to-kill order.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
