The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group have issued a strong call for the National Police Service to uphold lawful conduct and respect human rights in anticipation of upcoming protests. The joint statement, released on Wednesday, emphasized the police’s constitutional duty to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly while protecting demonstrators from potential threats posed by armed groups looking to disrupt the demonstrations. You can read the full statement here.
The groups highlighted the need for police restraint, particularly urging officers to avoid the unlawful use of tear gas and high-velocity water cannons against civilians, including vulnerable populations such as mothers and children in residential areas. This caution stems from previous police actions that have inflicted undue harm on innocent bystanders without serving any legitimate purpose, especially during school breaks when children are more likely to be at home.
The Thursday protests, referred to as #NaneNaneMarch on social media, are part of an ongoing movement led by Gen Z youth advocating for governmental accountability and economic justice. Past demonstrations have been marked by severe police responses, including brutality, abductions, and fatalities, despite legal precedents set by court rulings prohibiting such actions. More information on this can be found here.
LSK and the Working Group have also condemned recent measures aimed at intimidating Social Justice Centers, employing tactics like arrests and summonses to deter their participation in the protests. They have called on the Acting Police Inspector General to ensure that any use of force remains proportionate to immediate threats and to avoid deploying armed officers without necessity. Additionally, they have urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct timely investigations into reported incidents of abduction and unlawful detention.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, have echoed these concerns, demanding an immediate cessation of police brutality and illegal arrests during public rallies.
As the situation unfolds, legal professionals and human rights advocates will be closely monitoring the actions of law enforcement to ensure they adhere to the constitutional promises made to protect the rights of all citizens. These ongoing developments highlight the crucial role of legal institutions in advocating for and upholding civic freedoms amidst rising civil unrest.
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