Rather than focusing on forceful responses, Mbae argues that the country’s biggest challenge is not protests themselves but poor crowd management. In a strongly worded statement, Mbae noted that whenever major demonstrations are anticipated a familiar pattern emerges across the country.
Police trucks are deployed, officers don riot gear, roads are barricaded and warnings are issued long before protesters take to the streets. According to him such actions often heighten tension instead of promoting peace.
Mbae drew a distinction between riot response and crowd management saying the two approaches produce very different outcomes. While riot response focuses on reacting to chaos after it occurs, crowd management emphasizes planning, communication and prevention.
He argued that authorities should work to guide crowds safely, protect businesses and identify potential troublemakers before they disrupt peaceful demonstrations.
The outspoken leader emphasized that peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights should not be viewed as enemies of the state.
He pointed out that many demonstrators carry nothing more than placards, phones and petitions aimed at expressing their concerns.
At the same time, he maintained that individuals who engage in violence, looting or destruction of property should be dealt with firmly under the law.
Mbae also questioned whether the transition from the former Police Force to the National Police Service has been fully reflected in police culture and operations.
In his view, a service should prioritize communication, guidance and protection while a force is often associated with confrontation and intimidation.
To improve public order management, Mbae proposed several measures ahead of future protests.
These include announcing designated assembly points establishing clear procession routes, coordinating with protest organizers, implementing traffic management plans, ensuring emergency medical access and protecting businesses that may be affected by demonstrations.
He further called for the visible separation of peaceful protesters from criminals, hired goons and other disruptive actors, arguing that confusion often leads to innocent demonstrators being blamed for violence they did not commit.
According to Mbae, the next phase of police reforms should focus less on equipment and more on professional crowd management training.
He believes that a mature democracy should be judged by how safely it allows citizens to express themselves rather than how quickly authorities disperse crowds.
As debate continues over the future of public demonstrations in Kenya, Mbae’s message remains clear lasting peace will be achieved not through force but through planning, communication and professional service.
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Politics