Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) said Sunday that Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome’s ban on anti-government protests is ridiculous and a mockery of Kenyans and the Constitution.
The human rights group in a statement said the IG is not mandated to ban demonstrations according to the Kenyan Constitution.
“Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities. One then wonders, who gave Koome the right to usurp the rights of Kenyans as stated in the constitution and execute them as he wills, as he purports to? We live in a country governed by the rule of law and every Kenyan should follow the law to the letter,” a statement by Muhuri read.
On Sunday Koome banned the Monday protests saying the police will be on the lookout and take severe action against those who will cause chaos.
He added that regardless of the status, the police will arrest them and treat them like criminals.
Muhuri said Koome’s reaction to the protest and withdrawal of security officers to some Azimio leaders indicates he has taken sides.
“Koome should know that it is the right of every Kenyan to get security and protection from the police. It is not a favor but a right… Koome needs to know that the National Police Service is an independent constitutional body mandated by the people of Kenya through the constitution to protect and provide security and serve all Kenyans equally,” the NGO adds.
The rights group also condemned the IG for siding with the police who killed the Maseno University student during March 20 protests.
“Last week on Monday, the police killed a young university student in Maseno. On Sunday, Koome, instead of condemning the act, defended the police officer who allegedly committed the murder. We won’t sit down and watch his behavior go unchecked. We will sue Koome for gross abuse of the Constitution and for overseeing the murder of innocent Kenyans. The law will catch up with you, and you will be held accountable,” said Muhuri.
Muhuri urged IPOA to probe the IG’s sentiments despite terming their hot air.
“We request all Kenyans to maintain peace and if they demonstrate, let them be peaceful,” the statement said.
Dozens of police were deployed to the streets and deterred pedestrians from assembling.
