Kenya's Use Of Sound Cannon Draws Public Scrutiny
News Updated: 29 June 2026 16:01 EAT
Photo Courtesy : The military vehicle in the picture is a LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) or (acoustic hailing vehicle).
The deployment of a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly known as a sound cannon, during the June 25, 2026 Gen Z memorial protests has sparked debate over the growing use of advanced crowd-control technologies by Kenyan security agencies. The protests marked one of the country's first widely documented public deployments of the device, which was seen mounted on a police vehicle in Nairobi and captured in videos shared across social media.
The LRAD was originally developed in the United States by Genasys Inc. in the early 2000s for military and maritime security operations. It was designed to enable security personnel to communicate clearly over long distances using highly directional sound and has since been adopted by police, coast guards and armed forces in several countries for crowd management, emergency response and critical infrastructure protection.
Unlike conventional public address systems, the LRAD projects a narrow beam of sound that can deliver clear voice instructions over distances ranging from several hundred metres to more than one kilometre, depending on the model. The technology is intended to help authorities communicate with large crowds in noisy environments without broadcasting messages in every direction.
In addition to its communication capability, the LRAD features a high-intensity warning tone that can emit extremely loud sound levels. Security agencies have used this function to discourage individuals from approaching restricted areas or to disperse crowds. Medical experts, however, caution that prolonged or close-range exposure to such sound levels may cause temporary pain, ringing in the ears, dizziness and, in some cases, permanent hearing damage.
The technology has been used by law enforcement agencies in countries including the United States, Australia, Germany and Greece during demonstrations, emergency evacuations and major public events. It has also become a common anti-piracy tool aboard commercial vessels and naval ships operating in high-risk maritime regions.
The appearance of the LRAD during the June 25 protests generated widespread public interest after journalists, protesters and bystanders reported experiencing discomfort when the device was activated. Images and videos circulating online showed police vehicles fitted with the equipment as security officers managed crowds in parts of Nairobi.
Human rights organisations have consistently urged governments to ensure that the use of acoustic devices complies with international standards on the use of force. Rights groups argue that any deployment of such technology should be lawful, necessary and proportionate, while adequate safeguards should be in place to minimise the risk of injury to members of the public.
The June 25 demonstrations commemorated the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries after demonstrators stormed Parliament. This year's protests saw heightened security measures, including roadblocks, water cannon trucks, tear gas and the deployment of the LRAD, as authorities sought to maintain public order.
Although the National Police Service has not publicly disclosed the specific LRAD model used or the procurement details, its deployment has intensified debate over the legal and operational framework governing the use of emerging security technologies in Kenya. Analysts say the incident is likely to fuel broader discussions on balancing public safety, technological policing tools and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD