Police commission calls for meaningful talks with youth after recent protests
By Aloys Michael, July 18, 2025As calls for accountability continue to mount over the conduct of security officers during the recent protests, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Chief Executive Officer, Peter Leley, has called for urgent engagements to address their concerns.
His remarks come amid nationwide youth-led protests demanding justice for victims of police brutality, including those killed or maimed during recent demonstrations.
The NPSC call for dialogue and reform also comes at a moment when public trust in law enforcement remains fragile.
Speaking on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Inaugural Caucus Breakfast Meeting held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Leley addressed growing public outrage over the deaths and injuries of young protestors at the hands of police officers.
“The Commission recognises the concerns raised by the youth, especially in light of recent events. There is a need to engage them meaningfully and work collaboratively to develop sustainable solutions,” Leley said.
The meeting, themed “Coordinated Interventions by Government Agencies to Engage and Support Kenyan Youth,” convened leaders from State Corporations, Constitutional Commissions, Independent Offices, and Statutory Bodies to chart a unified course in addressing youth issues across the country.
Bridging mistrust
Leley proposed structured engagement between government bodies and young people, noting that an inclusive dialogue could help bridge growing mistrust and reduce confrontation on the streets.
“We must actively listen to the youth. Their voices are valid, and their concerns must be understood—not dismissed,” he stated, signalling the Commission’s willingness to support policy changes that reflect the realities faced by Kenya’s younger generation.
However, Leley also urged restraint among protestors and called for peaceful advocacy.
“While it is every citizen’s right to speak out, we strongly caution against the use of violence. Lawlessness cannot be tolerated, and individuals who incite or engage in violent acts must be prepared to face the full force of the law,” he warned.
Leley acknowledged the growing disconnect between the state and its youth, with critics blaming heavy-handed policing for exacerbating tensions.
“This is a defining moment. We must craft a future where youth are not just heard, but respected and protected,” he asserted.