"Keep off!" Activist Hussein Khalid slammed after demanding ATPU officers remove balaclavas

A heated online debate erupted after netizens condemned human rights activist Hussein Khalid for questioning the conduct of anti-terror police officers, sparking widespread public support for the security personnel.

The controversy began when Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, shared a video showing an altercation between security officers and passengers who had been asked to disembark for a routine ID check.

In his post, Khalid appeared to accuse the officers of intimidation and harassment.

A majority of Kenyans, however, disagreed with him, showing support for the officers. 

KEEP ACTIVISM OUT OF OUR COUNTER-TERRORISM POLICE!These young officers you are harassing in their places of duty every day, go to great lengths to Protect Kenyans.

They are separated from their loved ones to protect Kenyans from Terrorists and drug smugglers.

Commercial… https://t.co/gEsuedKCBf

— Counter Terrorism Policing KE (@CTP_Kenya) November 12, 2025

“Keep activism out of our counter-terrorism police! These young officers you are harassing in their places of duty every day go to great lengths to protect Kenyans,” Counter Terrorism Policing wrote on X.

“They are separated from their loved ones to protect Kenyans from terrorists and drug smugglers. If you can’t appreciate their work, keep activism out of their workstations and respect their service."

The statement prompted a wave of support online for the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the Special Operations Group (SOG).

Many Kenyans praised the officers’ professionalism and commitment.

Seasoned communications expert Linda Oguttu wrote, "Second time I am seeing Kenyans come to the defence of ATPU. They must be very professional."

User @bungomaduke wrote, “Commercial activists must keep their activism away from matters of national security! Without the ATPU and SOG, Kenyans would be living in fear of constant terrorism.”

Another, @mercymasai3, added, “From my experience, ATPU officers are always polite. They check your ID and wish you a safe journey. Hussein, sometimes we create problems where none exist.”

This latest standoff comes two months after a similar debate in September, when Kenyans defended ATPU officers along the Marsabit–Isiolo Highway following allegations of extortion by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi—claims many dismissed as unfounded.

What is ATPU?

The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) is a specialised unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of the Kenya National Police Service.

Its core mandate is to prevent, detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist acts and investigate serious crimes related to terrorism, organised crime, and transnational crimes within Kenya.

Established in the aftermath of major terrorist attacks, the ATPU is a critical component of Kenya's national security architecture, tasked with conducting intelligence-led operations, gathering evidence, and preparing cases for prosecution.

The work of the ATPU often involves collaborating with other national and international security agencies and partners who provide significant financial support, training, and technical assistance.

The unit works closely with bodies like the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to implement Kenya's comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy.