A photo captured on Friday, July 7, during the Saba Saba protests in Kisii County, ignited mixed reactions online, raising questions on police brutality and the role of law enforcement officers in ensuring peaceful protests.
The photo depicted a visibly elderly woman in motion, sprinting past a police officer who raised a baton directed towards her.
According to many Kenyans who claimed to know the lady, the officer's actions were unwarranted especially since the old lady was unarmed and posed no threat to the officers who were quelling protests in the town.
In the picture that went viral, the woman was seen carrying a jembe (plow) and a small sack.
"The woman in this photo comes from Suneka. She is mentally unstable," a source familiar with the lady told the media.
In what compounded the issue, reports further alleged that the woman had recently lost her son under unclear circumstances in Kisii.
"Her son died mysteriously days ago, alleged to have died by suicide while some claimed he was murdered," the source stated.
"As if that wasn't enough, the cruel world toppled this mama to yet another harsh treatment of a police beating. She was caught in the anti-government riots. In all fairness and standards, allow me to call out to the police for acting with cruelty," the source privy to the incident told this journalist.
Meanwhile, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka criticised the police for the sheer force used to quell demonstrations in Kisii.
Onyonka also wondered how the protest that began as small-scale picketing escalated into a full-blown confrontation that led to a police officer being pinned down and property of unknown value destroyed.
"The protests, which were initially intended to amplify the voices of the people and address pertinent issues affecting the country, unfortunately, devolved into chaos, resulting in injuries and damage to property.
"I am deeply saddened by the turn of events and recognise the urgency of addressing the underlying causes of the unrest. In a show of solidarity with the people of Kisii, I call for a thorough and expeditious investigation into the allegations of excessive force and the use of live bullets by law enforcement agencies," Onyonka stated.
The Senator asked the National Police Service to ensure the perpetrators of violence that unfolded in Kisii and other parts of the country during the Saba Saba protests were apprehended and charged in court.
"It is crucial that truth and justice prevail and those responsible for misconduct are held accountable. I emphasise that the purpose of peaceful demonstrations is to foster positive change and ensure the welfare of the citizenry.
"However, using such platforms to settle political scores or further personal interests undermines the intended purpose and threatens the harmony of the country," Onyonka stated.
Human rights activists also demanded the release of protesters arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations. They also criticised the police for failing to operate within their mandate.
"Article 21 of the Constitution binds the police to fulfill, promote and protect human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. The 2nd Schedule of the National Police Service Act mandates that police use force only as a last resort and in an accountable manner. It is only appropriate to use force in specific circumstances, such as to protect life," read the statement by Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
