The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in Kenya has spoken out against a recent incident where police officers fired upon protestors outside the Ministry of Health headquarters.
This incident resulted in injuries to Dr. Davji Atellah, the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU).
ICJ Kenya Chairman, Protas Saende, labeled the event as a serious violation of basic human rights.
He expressed concern over the unjustifiable use of force against protestors, which goes against Kenya’s pledge to uphold democratic principles.
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“ICJ Kenya strongly denounces the use of illegal force by the National Police Service and is deeply troubled by the infringement of rights such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and International Human Rights Instruments.”
Saende emphasized the importance of peaceful protests in a democratic society, highlighting that they allow citizens to voice their concerns and engage in public discourse.
He stressed that the government must safeguard these rights and ensure individuals can exercise their freedoms without fear.
The ICJ Kenya urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to promptly investigate the incident and hold those accountable for their actions.
“Law enforcement personnel must be trained to prioritize proportionality and respect for human rights during public gatherings,” said Saende.
“We call on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that the officers involved are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and if necessary, invoke the principle of Command Responsibility.”
ICJ Kenya also demanded a public apology from Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki and Police IG Japhet Koome.
They further insisted on a commitment from these officials to ensure that those responsible for the violent acts face appropriate consequences.
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