Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on the police to exercise strict adherence to human rights standards when dealing with protesting Kenyans.
Speaking on Tuesday morning during the swearing-in of members of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), Koome told the law enforcement officers to avoid actions that could cause unnecessary loss of life.
According to her, it was the responsibility of the police to differentiate between peaceful demonstrators and criminals who infiltrate protests to incite violence and loot property.
"The police must respond with restraint, proportionality and in strict adherence to the law and avoid actions that could cause unnecessary harm or loss of lives," Koome said.
She went on to add, "The police must distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and criminal elements and apprehend and process such individuals through the justice system."
She observed that the country had in recent weeks come under a wave of public protests, which she stated posed a delicate balance between the right to peaceful assembly and professional policing.
During her speech, the Chief Justice also called on the protesters to exercise their right to demonstrate peacefully, without carrying arms, destroying property or looting businesses.
“Members of the public must exercise their right to protest peacefully without engaging in acts of destruction, looting, or vandalism of public infrastructure such as government buildings and court infrastructure,” she reiterated.
Koome's statement comes hours after thousands of Kenyans across the country took to the streets to mark the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba Day protests of July 7, 1990.
What was expected to be peaceful processions among many Kenyans quickly escalated into violent demonstrations after Kenyans began an altercation with the police, leading to the destruction of property and massive looting.
A report by the National Police Service (NPS) revealed that at least 11 people died from yesterday's protests, while up to 52 police officers sustained injuries.
In a press statement on Monday evening, the Police Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, revealed that a total of 11 civilians were injured 11 while 12 police vehicles were damaged.
Additionally, three government vehicles were also damaged, as well as 4 vehicles belonging to private Kenyans were destroyed. The police report further indicated that 567 people were arrested.
