The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya has castigated the government for undermining the role of civil groups and right defenders by what they term as blatant disregard of the rule of law in handling the protests witnessed in the past two weeks.
While calling out the government for violating the recently enacted Public Benefits Organization Act, the group have accused the police of failing to protect critical agencies aiding peaceful protests including the media and medical agencies and differentiating the criminal elements that infiltrated the otherwise peaceful protests.
”We strongly condemn the violence witnessed during the recent protests in Kenya, which has resulted from both the excessive use of force by law enforcement and the presence of what appears to be hired goons. The police’s use of lethal crowd control weapons like water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators has led to unnecessary injuries and fatalities, escalating tensions and undermining the citizens’ rights to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition which is enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.” The statement read.
While speaking to the media Kenya Human Rights Commission Director General Davis Malombe also criticized police excess that have led left over 40 dead, and close to 361 injured, and 627 arbitrarily arrested.
”The continued state attack on Kenya’s civic space through increased targeting of human rights defenders and activists is a deeply troubling development documented extensively in the media. This escalating scrutiny threatens to stifle the vital role that civil society plays in a functioning democracy. By targeting those who advocate for justice, transparency, and accountability, the state is not only infringing on individual freedoms but also eroding the foundation of democratic governance.” Malombe read in part
The Head of Programs Transparency International Kenya Sheila Masinde endorsed the government’s resolve to engage in a dialogue with the youthful protesters to bring the impasse to an end.
”Therefore, we call on the government to Facilitate open dialogue with citizens to address the root causes of the protests and work towards meaningful solutions.”
The The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable.