HAKI Africa and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) organisations have said that action should be taken against any police officer caught using unnecessary excessive force or breaking the law while dealing with juvenile gangs in Mombasa and Kwale County.
In a joint press statement on Wednesday, March 26, the human rights organisations said that the police should follow the law and respect human rights while dealing with the accelerating rate of youth gangs in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
The organisations said that the police should only use a firearm if the lives of the police are in immediate danger as they deal with the gangs.
"The escalating insecurity situation has left communities living in fear, with reports of violent robberies and assaults. As human rights organizations, we stand firmly against all forms of violence and call on the national police to ensure the safety of citizens," the statement read.
"Let us be clear that our call for accountability does not mean that we condone criminality. Anyone who engages in criminal activities must face the law. We want to send a message to the police that we support their work, as long as it is conducted within the law and their actions are proportionate to the threats faced," he added.
Acknowledging the recent increase of insecurity in the region, the organisations clarified that the call for the accountability of police officers does not mean that they are in support of gang violence.
The organisations called for the immediate arrest of anyone responsible for the gang attacks and for bringing them to justice.
"As HAKI Africa and MUHURI, we remain committed to advocating for justice and ensuring that law enforcement is carried out in a lawful and transparent manner. We call on the police to act swiftly and decisively to curb gang violence while upholding the rights of all individuals. Let us work together to build a society where security, justice, and human dignity prevail," it added.
The organizations have further stressed the need for collective efforts from parents, politicians, security agencies, and other stakeholders to eliminate the gangs in a lawful and just way.
The development comes after Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno directed authorities to arrest parents whose children are engaging themselves with the Panga Boys gang in Kwale County.
Speaking in Diani on Tuesday, March 25, Nuno emphasized that poor parenting has played a significant role in prompting teenagers to engage with the notorious criminal gang that has long caused havoc in Kwale.
"The problem is you, parents. Poor parenting is contributing to this problem. As the whites say, 'Spare the rod, spoil the child.' You have already spared the rod, so definitely, the child will be spoiled," he said.
The commander further warned high-ranking security officials in the county that they might be dismissed if they make no progress in eliminating the Panga Boys gang.
