Justice Mwamuye Orders Police Officers to Display Identification and Unmask

Justice Bahati Mwamuye has mandated that all police officers in uniform must wear name tags or service number badges to ensure easy identification. The ruling also requires plain clothes officers to avoid concealing their faces. This directive follows a petition by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which raised concerns about police officers masking their faces during demonstrations.

This decision was made after LSK President Faith Odhiambo visited patients at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) who were recovering from gunshot wounds sustained during the Finance Bill protests. The protests turned violent, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators, and resulting in injuries.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed strong support for the directive, citing the necessity of police accountability and transparency. She noted that many officers were in civilian clothing, carrying firearms, which made it difficult to distinguish between law enforcement and civilians. Furthermore, the officers’ use of bandanas and masks exacerbated the situation, complicating efforts to identify them during the protests.

Odhiambo highlighted that clear identification of police officers is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that law enforcement actions are held accountable. The LSK’s petition argued that masking practices undermine these principles, especially during public demonstrations where tensions are already high.

The directive aims to promote greater transparency and accountability within the police force, ensuring that officers are easily identifiable to the public and legal authorities. This move is expected to enhance trust between law enforcement and the community, providing a safer environment for both police officers and citizens during protests and other public events.

As the directive takes effect, the public and the LSK will be monitoring its implementation closely to ensure compliance and to assess its impact on future demonstrations and interactions between the police and the public.