President William Ruto has been urged to personally intervene and lead a national process of justice and reform in the wake of mounting deaths and abuses linked to anti-government protests.
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA) on Wednesday, July 9, urged the Head of State to acknowledge Kenyans' grievances, warning that the growing disconnect between citizens and law enforcement could descend the country into more turmoil if not addressed head-on.
“It is clear the country is hurting. The growing rift between citizens and law enforcement is a serious concern. If not urgently addressed, this rift could tear apart the social fabric of our nation,” FIDA stated.
The organisation called on the President to 'lead from the front' in taking accountability and constitutional order amid increasing nationwide outrage over the alleged use of excessive force by police officers.
While reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest under Article 37, FIDA faulted authorities over the lives lost on Monday, singling out the tragic incident that saw a 12-year-old killed after being struck by a stray bullet while in their family home.
The women lawyers also went after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, urging the IG to take accountability over the violence and deaths recorded on July 7, during the Saba Saba Day protests.
Referring to findings by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) and FIDA, they further claimed there were credible cases of sexual assault on women in what the organisation described as an attempt to scare women from practicing their democratic right.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must expedite investigations into police conduct during the protests and release comprehensive reports to the public, including details of legal and disciplinary actions taken against those found to be responsible for the police's excesses," another one of FIDA's demands stated.
In addition, the organisation called for increased and heightened security measures to be in place during protests in all medical facilities, following a harrowing incident on Monday, which saw goons infiltrate the Kitengela Hospital.
"We demand that increased and heightened security measures be in place during protests in all medical facilities nationwide, which respond to the injured while continuing to provide routine medical services to the public during the protest period," FIDA added.
As far as President Ruto's stance on the recent protests, the president broke his silence on Wednesday with a scathing response, as he warned that the government would no longer tolerate lawlessness.
While speaking during the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi, Ruto issued a tough warning to individuals involved in violent demonstrations, urging police to use force selectively by shooting attackers in the leg.
