NAIROBI, Kenya – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-K) have issued a stern call for human rights-compliant policing in anticipation of the planned Nane Nane protests.
This call comes in response to media reports and videos depicting masked individuals armed with large wooden batons in Kapsabet town, reportedly threatening to violently disrupt any form of gathering.
The LSK and PRWG-K highlighted concerns that these armed groups intend to prevent protests against the poor service delivery by the Nandi County Government.
“We reiterate constitutional protections for all persons to peaceably and unarmed to protests, picket and to present petitions to authorities and the obligation of the State to respect and ensure this right,” the statement read.
In their statement, the organizations called on the National Police Service to uphold their duty to protect protesters from any interference.
They emphasized that police must avoid using excessive force, including tear gas and high-velocity water cannons, especially against vulnerable groups such as mothers and children.
“Tear gas must never be used in confined spaces. Previous actions have served no legitimate purpose and ended up punishing the public many of them bystanders,” they noted.
The PRWG and LSK also addressed the issue of ongoing abductions, stressing that these incidents must be thoroughly investigated by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure accountability.
They urged the National Police Service to refrain from unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest, and detention of protesters.
“We call upon the Acting Police Inspector General to refrain from deploying uniformed or masked police officers dressed in hoodies, balaclavas, or other attire in an attempt to hide their identities,” the statement urged.
The statement outlined specific measures for the police to follow during the protests including; refraining from deploying uniformed or masked officers attempting to conceal their identities, avoiding using unmarked vehicles or those with distorted number plates for committing crimes or evading justice, and ensuring all policing operations are effectively commanded, with the use of force only when necessary and proportional.
The LSK and PRWG-K expressed concern over the harassment of leaders from Social Justice Centers by the National Police Service and other state agencies.
These leaders have been arrested, summoned, and demanded to provide several documents within the week.
“We condemn this use of intimidation tactics designed to force them to withdraw from participating in protests,” the statement said.
They called upon the police to ensure any arrests are made in full compliance with Article 49 of the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights law.
The organizations also commended the dedication and courage of medical personnel and religious institutions providing services to those injured during protests, regardless of their affiliation.
They called for more emergency medical support facilities to be established to cater to the needs of protesters.
The press statement concluded with a commitment from the LSK and PRWG-K to continue monitoring and documenting police conduct during protests, ensuring accountability for any violations.
“We shall continue to monitor and document police conduct in protests, aiming to hold commanders responsible for any violations,” the statement affirmed.
