Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the conduct of the police during the Monday anti-government protest saying the law enforcers took sides.
The human rights commission said the Kenya Kwanza government has failed to deliver its promises, leaving Kenyans to continue grappling with the high cost of living, heavy taxation, unemployment, and a litany of unconstitutional decisions.
According to KHRC, the non-compliance situation calls for the citizens to defend the constitution and demand their rights by exercising peaceably assembling, picketing, and demonstrating as provided under Article 37.
However, the commission observed that the government denied Kenyans led by the opposition leader to exercise their right in the Monday protest.
“The president, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and the County Commander in unison deemed the protest illegal and contrary to public order and security.”
“This interpretation is misguided and faulty for in the constitution, there is no limitation on this basis and the Public Order Act does not grant the police power to approve or disapprove any public gatherings,” the statement read.
KHCR noted that the police conduct during the protest was characterized by unlawful arrests, excessive and violent use of force, injuries, killings, and restriction of movements.
This, according to the commission is a reminder of the dark doctorial tactics of the KANU – Kenyatta and Moi regimes.
“This unfortunate development contradicts the expected transition in the Constitution from a police force to a service and regime to democratic police. The Constitution under Article 244 © provides that National Police Service shall comply with fundamental standards of human rights and freedoms.
We strongly condemn this barbaric conduct by the state and the police which have refused to transform since colonial times.”
The commission observed that the police have been used as a tool of political repression and weaponization by the ruling elite to settle political scores over a century.
KHRC in the notice demand that the unlawfully arrested be released.
“We also demand that the government address the high cost of living as a matter of priority because Kenyans are suffering.”
HAKI Africa also Monday condemned the excessive use of force by the police during the protests.
