NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR) has raised concern over the rising number of civilians who have been reportedly missing in recent days.
The Commission further faulted the National Police Service (NPS) over what it terms excessive use of force against protesters during the recent end abduction protests.
“We note with great concern that the recent demonstrations that had initially started peacefully in Nairobi and other parts of the country were disrupted violently by police who unleashed terror on demonstrators,” the Commission said in a statement.
According to the Commission, its officers went to the Central Police Station alongside lawyers and HRDS to seek the release of those detained there.
“The Commission is of the view that the restriction and use of force by police in the protests was unnecessary and disproportionate. Freedom of assembly and association are fundamental human rights and essential to sustained economic, social, and democratic progress,” the Commission said in a statement seen by Y News.
What the US has said about Kenyan forceful abductions
This comes at a time when the United States echoed the call for transparent investigations and accountability in the wake of a reported rise in abductions and enforced disappearances.
Kakamega-based businessman and human rights activist Charles Kelly told Y News that abductions are torture, cruel, degrading, and inhuman treatment—a non-druggable right.
“They have no place in a democratic state like ours. If these patterns of abductions continue, then we shall be rapidly retrogressing back to the dark days of our history when such attacks were primarily to inflict fear on any person critical of the government,” said a key political analyst in the Western Kenya region.
Meanwhile, KNCHR lauded protesters for their peaceful conduct during the demonstrations.
“Protesters generally conducted themselves with restraint despite provocation, arrests, and brutality meted out by police officers who lobbed tear gas to disperse peaceful demonstrators.”
There was a heavy deployment of anti-riot and civilian police with horses and water horses in Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Embu, and Nairobi counties.
“A number of the police officers were hooded, while some police cars had their registration numbers concealed. Several vehicles did not have rear number plates. This is a contravention of the Malindi High Court ruling prohibiting police from concealing their identity while policing protests,” the Commission said.
What KNCHR thinks about the ongoing demonstrations
Roseline Odede, Chairperson of KNCHR, said police suppressed the peaceful and unarmed protesters using tear gas and illegal arrests.
“The Commission has received reports of numerous cases of injuries allegedly inflicted on protesters by police officers,” said Odede in the statement seen by Y News.
According to Odede, 18 people were injured in Nairobi (17) and Mombasa (1)ts during the protests. Five (5) of the wounded were left unconscious and had to be resuscitated; eight (8) had minor cuts, two (2) were injured by tear gas canisters, and the rest had blunt force injuries.
“Police prevented public service vehicles from accessing the Nairobi Business District for the day. No incidents of destruction and looting were reported,” said Odede.
Odede disclosed that the Commission has been offering its support to victims of the violation, including facilitating the release of some of the illegally arrested persons, evacuated persons who have been at risk, escorted “persons of interest” to police stations to record statements, and provided advice on the rights and responsibilities of all to picket, demonstrate, and hold assemblies.
