Firebrand Political Activist Boniface Mwangi has condemned the police for haphazardly arresting youth who allegedly wear military uniform. Taking to social media, Mwangi revealed how he managed to secure the release of two young men who were rotting at Central Police station.
“I have been able to secure the release of these two young men from Central Police Station. Police had arrested them for “wearing combat uniform.”
Mwangi is now calling on the government to bring the end of the illegal importation of such attires arguing that it is unlawful that the youth face harassment on daily for putting on the clothes yet the government can’t stop their sources.
“Everyday, across this country young people are harassed for wearing clothes that are sold legally”.
I have been able to secure the release of this two young men from Central Police Station. Police had arrested them for "wearing combat uniform." Everyday, across this country young people are harrassed for wearing clothes that are sold legally.@NziokaWaita @IG_NPS help stop this. pic.twitter.com/S2lkfvSraa
— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) August 12, 2019
Early this year, Retired Inspector General Joseph Boinnet ordered the arrest of civilians wearing clothes that resemble uniforms of military or police officers.
The IG said that incidents of civilians wearing replicas of attires for disciplined servicemen have created confusion on the public who can’t distinguish genuine police officers from civilians.
Our attention has been drawn to the growing tendency by some persons to don attire resembling Police or Military uniforms which is creating confusion amongst members of the public as to who is a genuine member of any of our security agencies. 1/3
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) January 29, 2019
Mwangi’s post has elicited sharp reactions, with most Kenyans terming the arrest as illegal and calling on the government to stop the barbaric acts.
Why can’t the govt come clear on this issue once and for all. Bcoz of a Moi roadside declaration in the 80s bado we’re suffering till today? If camouflage is banned they should impound them at the port, simple! Total nonsense
— Kerr Owino (@PharaohMenya) August 12, 2019
Hope you adviced them accordingly on wearing military fatigue clothes.Because imagine terrorist in military clothes attacks a venue and you are thete in uniform,you are the first target.Similarly,when police come in abd you try to run for safety,they mistakenly hit you! @kaaradah
— francis mbugua (@MashMMXIV) August 12, 2019
These ones were left to roam.. If it is revenue they want to collect, these onea had more noney. Bure kabisa pic.twitter.com/l6D0Cidwdb
— Samor Boy 🇰🇪 🇵🇸🇮🇱 (@feel_canThe1) August 12, 2019
Next, you will be arrested for driving a Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender or a Hummer… I mean, those tops don’t look like any combat gear I have ever seen. It’s just a case of harassment. That directive should be reviewed to address a legitimate concern, but sensibly.
— Paul Koigi (@PaulKoigi) August 12, 2019
Wanaitisha 2k eti iliwekwa kwa Kenya gazette since dusit ilipuliwe, my question is kwani ni central police tu juu wengine hawaulizangi
— Carol Njane (@njanecarol) August 12, 2019
I fear for the Women guild from a certain famous church. They wear blue. Given that this is the colour of the new police uniform,
see where we are going? @IG_NPS put legal sense into your officers….— Kanyi Gioko (@SirGioko) August 12, 2019