A Lobby, Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! has condemned the National Police Service for using excessive force during Tuesday’s peaceful protests and questioned why armed goons were not arrested.
In a statement signed by Dr Kawive Wambua, the group said it was “deeply disturbed” by reports and footage of police using live bullets, tear gas, and batons on unarmed protesters, mostly youth.
“This is a clear violation of the Constitution,” the statement said, citing sections of the law which protect free expression, peaceful assembly, lawful policing, and professional conduct.
The lobby pointed to the police’s own claim that goons with crude weapons had joined the protests, yet no arrests were made.
It accused the police of either negligence or complicity as the armed individuals, some riding motorbikes, were seen milling freely around police officers.
“Peaceful protesters were met with violence, while those allegedly armed were left unbothered—why?” it asked.
“Once again, the police chose violence and suppression instead of protecting lives.”
The group demanded the names of officers involved in the violence, the arraignment of the officer who shot a mask seller, and independent probes by Ipoa and KNCHR.
It also called for the resignation of IG Douglas Kanja and the arrest of DIG Eliud Lagat over the killing of Albert Ojwang.
Lagat stepped aside on Monday to pave way for investigations into Ojwang's murder in the hands of police.
Ojwang' died at Nairobi's Central police station on June 8 hours after he was picked up by DCI officers from his Homa Bay home on allegations of tarnishing Lagat's name online.
The death sparked widespred public outrage with hundreds of Kenyans filling the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday to condemn police brutality and demand for justice for Ojwang'.
Police have been accused of using brute force in containing the protesters, including the shooting of the face mask vendor.
“Kenyans are not criminals for demanding justice. Peaceful protest is not a crime. The Constitution is not a suggestion, it is the supreme law of the land,” Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! said in their statement.
“We remind the police that they serve the people, not power,” the statement concluded.
