Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has weighed in on a viral video showing a foreigner confronting a police officer, labelling the expatriate’s actions as an unacceptable display of disrespect towards law enforcement.
Mwangi, known for his vocal stance on police brutality and human rights, took a surprising position of defending the officer’s authority in the encounter.
“This level of disrespect towards a police officer is unacceptable.”
The statement comes after a clip circulated widely on social media, sparking a fierce debate about the conduct of both the police and foreign nationals residing in the country.
The original video captured a tense exchange between the expatriate and the police officer, reportedly over a traffic or regulatory matter. In the clip, the foreigner is seen verbally challenging the officer in a confrontational and dismissive manner.
Many viewers expressed outrage at the foreigner’s perceived arrogance, viewing it as a clear undermining of the officer’s authority.
For a prominent human rights defender like Boniface Mwangi, the comment underscores a vital principle: the rule of law must be respected by all, regardless of nationality or economic status.
While Mwangi has been a consistent critic of police misconduct and violence, even alleging brutality against himself in the past, his latest statement makes a clear distinction that the Police misconduct must be condemned and reformed. And disrespecting a uniformed officer while they are performing their duty is wrong.
His stance highlights the need for mutual respect between the public and the police, even as calls for police accountability continue.
The video and Mwangi’s subsequent comments have touched a nerve, reigniting a national discussion on the treatment of police officers in the line of duty, the behaviour of certain foreign nationals in Kenya and the importance of civic responsibility and respect for government authority.
The overwhelming online consensus mirrored Mwangi’s sentiment, suggesting a strong public feeling that an individual should not get away with belittling an officer.
By Erastus Omondi
