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Activist Hussein Khalid fascinated by India’s low profile security presence
17th February, 2026 11:42 PM
Activist Hussein Khalid cannot understand how India operates in public safety matters.
In a post on X on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Khalid said that on the fifth day of his stay in India, he had not observed any visible security presence or harassment by security agencies.
Sharing his observations, Khalid expressed surprise at the contrast between India and Kenya.
Hussein Khalid compares Kenya to India
“One amazing fact about India is the absence of security personnel in public places. Unlike Kenya, where we have security guards at every establishment, police on every street and metal detectors at every entrance, in India, you hardly see security presence,” he wrote.
He added that during his stay, he had not encountered routine security checks.
“This is my 5th day in this country, and I have yet to see a police officer in the streets. I have not passed through a single metal detector save at the airport, and I’ve walked into malls and shops with no security guards. What’s their secret?” he posed.
Khalid’s remarks have sparked fresh debate online about public safety models and the visibility of law enforcement in different countries.
The activist has previously spoken out against what he describes as excessive security deployment in Kenya, especially during periods of public unrest.
In past demonstrations linked to the Finance Bill 2024 and Finance Bill 2025, as well as Saba Saba protests, security conduct became a national conversation point after reports of injuries and fatalities.
Khalid has consistently called for respectful treatment of civilians by police officers, regardless of rank or status.
He has also criticised incidents where women were reportedly mishandled and their personal belongings damaged during operations.
Different approaches to public safety
His latest observations from India appear to raise questions about whether a lower visible security presence can coexist with public order.
Online reactions have been mixed. Some Kenyans agree that heavy security deployment can create tension, while others argue that security needs vary depending on local threats and crime levels.
While Khalid did not offer direct comparisons beyond his observations, his post has reignited discussion about balancing safety, visibility and public trust in law enforcement.
As conversations continue, many are reflecting on how different societies manage security while maintaining public confidence and freedom of movement.
