Nairobi, Kenya — Human rights organizations in Nairobi have criticized what they describe as a disorganized police response to protests at the Parliament, which they claim led to multiple deaths and substantial property damage. The report, released during a press conference, details the events and calls for greater accountability and reforms in handling demonstrations.
During the protests, which had been announced days in advance, there was an alleged breach of the Parliament by demonstrators. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), along with groups such as Amnesty International and the Independent Medical Legal Unit (IMLU), stated that the police failed to adequately secure the area, allowing the situation to escalate.
Mwaura Kabata, Vice President of LSK, expressed concern over the disappearance of protesters, noting that several individuals remain unaccounted for months after the event. “Authorities are seemingly indifferent to these disappearances, disregarding official complaints and calls for action,” he said.
The report also highlighted disturbing actions by unidentified men in civilian clothing who allegedly fired at protesters, leading to fatalities. Video evidence suggests that the police failed to form a protective barrier around Parliament, significantly lacking in crowd control measures.
“The sporadic firing of at least 45 shots within 56 seconds was recorded, showing a reckless use of force,” the report stated. The rights groups are now advocating for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the deaths, injuries, and disappearances linked to these protests, during which around 27 people reportedly went missing.
Further criticisms were directed at alleged police brutality, including accusations of reviving torture practices and assaulting medical personnel attending to the injured during protests. An example cited was the 30-day disappearance of three individuals from Kitengela, referred to in the report as potential victims of extrajudicial actions.
Efforts are underway to gather extensive support for these claims, with Amnesty International revealing that a petition urging the formation of a judicial commission of inquiry has garnered over 12,000 signatures. “Our objective is clear – to ensure accountability and prosecute any officer involved in criminal activities against protesters,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International.
The proposed petition, according to Houghton, will be presented to the National Assembly. Discussions are also expected with the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies to foster corrective measures within the policing system.
Grace Wangechi from IMLU highlighted the documented deaths, with at least 61 attributed to the protests, of which 49 have been confirmed through autopsies. The call for the release of the 27 missing protesters was emphatically stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In response to these alarming claims, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has been urged by the rights groups to initiate substantial reforms ensuring that police operations adhere to human rights standards. Simultaneously, LSK continues to gather information to support a petition advocating for compensation for the families affected by the protests, either through loss of life or injury.