They said following their investigations, there was indeed the use of excessive force by the police meted against protestors during the July 19-21, 2023 protests.
They jointly called on the government to assure the safety of families and victims who are yet to report violations out of fear of intimidation or re-victimisation at police stations.
They reiterated that Kenyans have a right to demonstrate, picket and present petitions without suppression and/or interference from the Police.
Additionally, they called on the Policing Oversight Authority to urgently conclude investigations into the reported cases of the use of excess force by the police in Kisumu and Kisii Counties.
“Victims and survivors of violent acts by police officers have a constitutional right to life and equal protection before the law. These violations must not go unresolved. Police officers found culpable of using excess force must face a court of law and answer to these charges alongside their commanding officers,” Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya Irungu Houghton said.
He added that the reports on targeting Human Rights defenders and Social Justice Centers during protests are deeply saddening.
Houghton said Social Justice Centers belong to communities and are designed to serve and promote human rights.
The three organisations indicate that their findings revealed an alarming pattern of the police deploying reckless and indiscriminate tactics, including detaining protesters beyond the stipulated period of 24 hours.
They also listed the use of archaic laws, especially those contained in the now outdated Public Order Act charge protesters.
“We condemn the utter disregard of Constitutional provisions by the police on the rights of arrested persons as protected in Article 49. We demand that all investigating officers who arrested, held and presented accused persons beyond the statutory timelines be held accountable," Chairperson Law Society of Kenya Eric Theuri said.
They were also concerned that emergency service providers, including health workers and journalists, were sometimes attacked or prevented from accessing medical facilities.
"We strongly condemn attacks on medical facilities, including lobbing teargas in medical facilities, ambulances, and attacks on healthcare workers and journalists. We call on the state to develop guidelines on offering safe passage and protection for emergency service providers during protests. We cannot be a nation which attacks its doctors," President of the Kenya Medical Association Simon Kigondu said.
They called for the formation of a separate parliamentary commission of inquiry to investigate the instructions given to police officers across the affected counties.
They also want the use of non-uniformed and non-commissioned officers, names and locations of police officers hurt or killed probed.
The commission, they said, should also find out any failure of police officers to inform IPOA of any fatal exchanges or use of weapons and ascertain whether there was any disciplinary action taken against officers who have violated their standing orders.
They have asked Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to issue a public assurance that his service will provide protection and guidelines on safe passage for emergency service providers, journalists, and human rights defenders.
"During protests, his officers will desist from operating from ambulances or embedding themselves in the media corps," they said.
They also called for the immediate release of all persons who have remained in custody for more than 24 hours or have not been charged according to their rights.
"We call on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Police, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate and prosecute those citizens and elected leaders using social media to urge Kenyans to commit acts of violence, hatred, and discrimination."
"Demo" - Google News
August 04, 2023 at 07:56PM
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11 bodies of demo victims discovered in Kisii, Kisumu morgues - Lobby groups - The Star Kenya
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