27 civil society organizations have slammed President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, for lauding police conduct during Azimio's anti-government protests.
In the joint statement released on Friday, July 21, the human rights groups led by Amnesty International Kenya, FIDA Kenya, and Katiba Institute warned that extra-judicial killings were on the rise.
According to the activists, the situation posed significant risks should it not be curbed.
The activists observed that in the recent demonstrations, plain-clothed police officers arrested demonstrators. The human rights groups also raised the red flag over security personnel captured driving in unmarked cars.
Police were urged to positively identify themselves to the protesters, as undercover operations risked increasing extra-judicial killings.
So far, 27 deaths attributed to the police were reported between July 7 and July 19.
“These actions contravene the Criminal Procedures Code and Police Standing Orders,” the report read.
The activists also warned that at least 43 human rights defenders were arbitrarily arrested, abducted, and unlawfully detained while school children were teargassed in Kangemi and Kawangware in Nairobi and several parts of Nakuru County.
“Despite these facts and evidence of police brutality, the President on Thursday thanked police for "standing firm and ensuring that there is peace" while the Interior Minister, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, said police acted with "utmost professionalism" and public "hooliganism" had been contained. We condemn these statements," the activists strongly condemned the current administration.
Consequently, they urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to investigate cases of arbitrary arrests, mistreatment, and all atrocities committed by the police.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) were also pressured to take stern action against Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, who was accused of misusing his firearm. Arama drew his weapon and threatened to shoot protesters he accused of destroying public property and vandalising his hotel.
The groups also appealed to President William Ruto and Parliamentary leadership to repeal or amend the Finance Act to address the concerns raised by the public.
The activists further urged the president, the opposition, and religious leaders to dialogue and end the conflict before it escalates into a full-blown crisis.
During a working tour in Murang’a County, President William Ruto asked the police to protect lives and property and assured them of his support.
“Everybody must respect the rule of law, and we are asking our security agencies, our law enforcement officers to be thorough and firm. I commend them for being professional in how they have handled all these people,” Ruto remarked.
