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Civil society lobby groups have been vocal condemning the police and government for what they term as government’s attempt to infringe on Kenyans’ right to picket, gather and protest peacefully. They have also taken issue with the arbitrary arrest of demonstrators without following due process. More than that, they have accused the police of using excessive and disproportionate force to shut the opposition.
Wednesday was a flurry of activities all over the country with protestors taking to the streets to demonstrate against the high cost of living and the Finance Act 2023. Though the government led by the President Dr William Ruto declared the planned protest illegal, it didn’t hinder Kenyans from picketing.
Consequently, these actions were met with great resistance from anti-riot police who used tear gas and other methods to quell the protests. Some children in Kangemi area, Nairobi were teargassed by police after some canisters were hurled in schools.
Other protestors were arrested after enduring brutal beatdowns by the police according to various videos posted on social media and others by mainstream media. Additionally, some businesses are counting losses after demonstrators raided them and looted commodities of unknown value. Others vandalized the Expressway in the Mlolongo area by pulling down fences and destroying flower vases.
This is what various civil society groups have said in response to today’s protests.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
“KNCHR continues to monitor with concern the human rights violations & violence perpetuated in the context of the ongoing demonstrations including killings, arbitrary arrests & detentions, torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment as well as the persistent restriction and denial of the right to assemble and hold demonstrations.
“We saw the reckless use of tools of policing including the misuse of firearms and teargas. We denounce emerging trend of intimidation of police officers including punitive transfers of those who embrace non-violent approaches in the spirit of community policing and respect for citizens’ right to assemble.”
Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI)
“We express our profound shock and indignation at the teargassing of 50 innocent children in Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi, Nairobi. We hold the Nairobi Police Commander, Adamson Bungei, personally responsible for this egregious act. We demand that justice be served for these innocent children.”
Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU)
“We are appalled by police actions today of tear-gassing children and using live bullets on protesters. These are reminders of the urgent need for police accountability.”
Inhuman or degrading treatment and other forms of abuse perpetrated by the police against a peaceful protestor is deeply troubling. Such actions not only undermine democratic principles but also erode public trust in law enforcement.
