Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has raised alarm over the growing incidents of police brutality during protests, calling for immediate and mandatory refresher courses for all anti-riot police officers.
In a statement issued through his official X handle on Tuesday, June 17, Salasya said the ongoing normalisation of excessive force by police officers under the pretext of maintaining law and order is unacceptable.
He emphasised that such practices not only undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies but also violate the fundamental rights of protesters.
Salasya proposed that the refresher training should focus on anger management, public engagement, and modern crowd control techniques.
According to him, these areas are critical in ensuring that officers are equipped with the skills required to handle demonstrations without resorting to violence.
“I strongly recommend that all anti-riot police officers undergo immediate refresher courses, both in anger management and in proper public engagement. We cannot continue to normalise brutality in the name of law enforcement.’’ Salasya stated.
Protests
Salasya’s remarks come in the wake of nationwide protests that erupted in Nairobi and Mombasa, with demonstrators demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a young man who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.
The protests, mainly led by young people, saw large crowds march through the Central Business Districts of both cities while chanting slogans and carrying placards bearing Ojwang’s image.
The protests turned chaotic after police deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. In Nairobi, some businesses around the Nation Centre were forced to close temporarily as police officers lobbed teargas canisters along Kimathi Street and outside the National Archives.
Ojwang’s death has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for justice and reforms within the police service.
He was arrested in Homa Bay County on June 6, 2025, after being accused of defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
He was later transported over 350 kilometres to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he was found dead just hours after his arrival.
On Monday, June 16, pressure mounted on DIG Lagat, who had filed the complaint against Ojwang.
Civil society organisations, human rights groups, lawyers, and various political figures termed Lagat’s decision to step aside as insufficient and symbolic.
They called for his immediate arrest and prosecution.
Following the backlash, Lagat stepped aside to allow investigations into the incident, although critics insist that justice can only be served if those responsible are held fully accountable.
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint in the broader national conversation about police accountability, freedom of expression, and respect for human rights in Kenya.
