NANYUKI, Kenya- The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has accused police of firing live bullets and arbitrarily arresting protesters during demonstrations in Nanyuki against a proposed U.S.-linked Ebola facility in Laikipia County.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KHRC said hooded police officers deployed in the town had fired live ammunition and arrested at least 19 protesters by 11 a.m.
According to the rights group, residents had taken to the streets to demand that the government disclose agreements, negotiations, approvals, safety checks and operational protocols related to the proposed facility.
The protesters also sought assurances on public health safety amid concerns surrounding the planned Ebola quarantine centre.
KHRC said it had verified reports and reviewed videos allegedly showing police officers moving through the area on motorbikes and in white Land Cruisers and Subaru vehicles with removed or concealed registration plates.
The commission further alleged that officers attacked protesters and journalists covering the demonstrations.
“KHRC has verified reports and reviewed videos showing police moving through the area on motorbikes and in white Land Cruisers and Subarus with removed or concealed license plates, as officers attacked protesters and journalists,” the statement said.
The rights organisation described the police conduct as unlawful and called for the immediate release of those arrested.
“KHRC demands that police respect the right to protest, provide security for protesters, unconditionally release all those detained, and ensure that they are clearly identifiable,” the commission stated.
The protests come amid growing opposition to the proposed U.S.-linked Ebola facility in Laikipia, which has sparked public debate, political reactions and legal challenges.
KHRC said it would continue monitoring the situation and documenting alleged abuses with a view to holding individual officers and their commanders accountable.
“KHRC continues to monitor, document, and respond to reported abuses, with the aim of holding police officers and their commanders accountable for violations,” the statement added.
