National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on Sunday, July 23, defended the police from reports that they were using excessive force to quell protests in some opposition counties in the country.
This followed a statement by Minority Leader in the Parliament Opiyo Wandayi who had raised alarm on increasing cases of police brutality in counties located in the former Nyanza region.
Ichung’wah termed the statements by the Unguja MP as incitement by Azimio leadership to its supporters.
“The statement by the Leader of the Minority is unfortunate as it seeks to profile a certain community. We in Kenya Kwanza detest the profiling of any government or public official on the basis of their ethnicity,” the Kikuyu MP stated.
The third-term MP has in fact commended the police officers who engaged protestors, remarking that they did a "professional" job.
Various groups including the church and non-profit groups have come out to criticise the government over police actions during the three-day anti-government protests.
The United Nations human rights body has also accused the State's response to the demonstrations that were called by the Azimio La Umoja Coalition.
While the government has maintained that they acted within the law, reports indicate that at least 10 were shot dead and others left with gunshot wounds including a teenager who has nine bullets lodged in his body.
A viral video that has since been verified showed police officers beating residents of Nyalenda area in Kisumu, including people who were not part of the protests.
“The police have indeed acted with unparalleled restraint in the midst of immense provocation and great losses and injury to many officers who have been attacked," the majority leader remarked.
Catholic Bishops have also called out the government for ignoring the pleas of Kenyans, arguing that it has led to the current standoff as life becomes unbearable for millions.
Legislators on the government side have maintained a hardline stance as the opposition digs in. The opposition has called a new round of protests on Wednesday, July 26.
“Instances, where police have used live ammunition, are in line with the law and the Constitution when the lives of officers and those of other civilian populations are under imminent threat as they execute their duties professionally,” Ichung’wah defended police officers.
