NAIROBI, Kenya- Journalists are among 210 protestors arrested during Tuesday’s protests against the controversial Financial Bill 2024.
The statistics were released by a consortium of human rights organizations under the banner of Police Working Group among them Amnesty International-Kenya.
Police arbitrarily arrested the protestors despite having received a notification as required in the law and them being peaceful.
“We stand in solidarity with all those who bravely exercised their right to protest and call on all Kenyans to join us in demanding accountability and respect for our constitutional rights. We reiterate our commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans,” the Police Working Group said in a statement.
“The Police Reforms Working Group is documenting the situation closely, providing direct support to those affected and already exploring legal action for redress.”
The Media Council of Kenya has condemned the “arrests and attacks” of journalists covering the protests.
“The Council is dismayed that while journalists were relying on police to provide them with security in the line of duty, the security officers resorted to manhandling, harassing and assaulting them,” MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said in a statement.
“This is despite the fact that the journalists were well identified with MCK press badges and press jackets.”
As required by law, police in Nairobi had been notified about the protest. Organizers also said they had notified the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome.
The protest saw a significant turnout from Gen Z, with a notable presence of young women.
Observers of Tuesday’s event said their participation underscores a growing political awareness and willingness to challenge authority among Kenya’s youth.
While their chants against the punitive taxes proposed in the Financial Bill 2024 were loud and clear, the protesters remained peaceful throughout the demonstration.
The Law Society of Kenya has since threatened legal action against the police for their heavy-handed tactics.
