The United Kingdom has condemned the alleged use of force by Kenyan police officers against peaceful and unarmed protesters who were demanding the resignation of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
The British High Commission, in a brief statement on Wednesday, June 18, expressed its disappointment at the brutality meted out on protesters by rogue officers during yesterday's demonstrations.
While condemning such incidents, the office called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the police officers captured assaulting protesters.
According to the Commission, police forces must at all times command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect.
"We are deeply disturbed by the violence against unarmed civilians and protestors yesterday. We urge a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the police," the British High Commission demanded.
It added, "Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect. We send our best wishes for the swift recovery of those injured during yesterday’s violence."
The statement comes amid calls by Kenyans for swift investigations into police brutality against protesters during yesterday’s demonstrations, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa counties.
Of major concern was the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, who was gunned down by an anti-riot police officer at Moi Avenue, in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Widely shared footage of the incident showed two police officers armed with guns assaulting Kariuki before one of them aimed and shot the 22-year-old.
A report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) indicated that at least 22 people suffered injuries during the protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties, with most of them being casualties of police assault.
In its press release, KNCHR highlighted Nairobi as the most affected area due to the massive deployment of masked, hired goons on motorbikes who patrolled the streets and brutalised protesters.
"The Commission witnessed hordes of thugs viciously attack and rob protesters in the streets of Nairobi. This is unacceptable conduct by the police, who are required to discharge their duties professionally," KNCHR stated.
