How Kenyans Have Reacted After Govt Acquiring a Sound Cannon for Crowd Dispersal During Protests

Following a notable escalation of crowd-control tactics, Kenyan security forces deployed a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly known as a "sound cannon," during the June 25, 2026, Gen Z memorial protests in Nairobi.

This marked one of the first widely reported public uses of the technology in Kenya and reportedly the first in Africa sparking intense public debate, memes, health concerns, and accusations of excessive force.

The LRAD is a specialized acoustic device originally developed for military and maritime security. It can project highly directional sound beams over long distances for communication or, at higher intensities, emit piercing deterrent tones to disperse crowds.

Unlike regular loudspeakers, it focuses sound like a beam, making it significantly louder and more targeted for those in its path. Effects can include discomfort, disorientation, headaches, nausea, and potential temporary or permanent hearing damage at close range.

During the protests, videos showed armored vehicles equipped with the device emitting loud sounds that disrupted demonstrators and even interrupted live broadcasts by journalists.

Public response has been swift and polarized, dominating social media, news comments, and street conversations.

Criticism and Human Rights Concerns: Many Kenyans view the deployment as an overreach and a sign of a "police state." 

Protesters and commentators expressed fears of permanent hearing damage and questioned its legality, especially against peaceful demonstrators.

Some drew parallels to controversial uses in other countries like Serbia and the United States, where similar devices have faced legal challenges and accusations of causing harm. 

Human rights advocates have called for scrutiny, emphasizing the need to balance security with constitutional rights to protest.