When David Kimaiyo fires in defence of cops, he uses his gun “effectively”

By Peter Kimani

When Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo opens his mouth to speak, we have little choice but to listen. It is the only respectable thing to do; after all, Kimaiyo pulls no punches.

Pricked by the criticism levelled against Coast County Police Commander Nelson Marwa, who urged the boys in blue to shoot dead terror suspects, Kimaiyo clarified, in a voice laden with conviction, that Kenyans were being naïve.

Why, they expected to be told in black and white what the law permits, even when he has no doubt as to the interpretation of our statutes.

Hear him: “The National Police Service Act clearly justifies the use of firearms and legally talks about the effectiveness of using the firearm,” he said, paused to digest the statement further, then broke down the information.

“What does using firearms effectively mean?” Kimaiyo posed, then went on to answer his own question: “We have no control over the power of the firearm and the muscle of a bullet because in most circumstances, the reason for using it is to disable the person with the purpose of arresting him and not to kill him.”

accidental death

I did not know a bullet has muscle, but then there are many things I don’t know. But then again, I am a layman who is unable to discern the meaning of expressions couched in legalese, an ignorance that irritates Kimaiyo.

So if “effective” use of firearms means disabling a criminal without the express intent to kill, according to Kimaiyo’s gospel, any accidental death should still not be considered any less effective use of firearms.