Uphold peaceful demos and protect property, lobby tells Kenyans

KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said the demos should be conducted calmly.

In Summary
  • She said violent demonstrations and destruction of property are not only unlawful but also undermine the very ideals that demonstrations seek to promote.
  • Odede urged police officers to respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of demonstrators as they carry out their duties. 
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights chair Roselyne Odede (C) address the media on violation of rights as enshrined in the Constitution in the wake of mass action on 29th March 2023.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights chair Roselyne Odede (C) address the media on violation of rights as enshrined in the Constitution in the wake of mass action on 29th March 2023.
Image: KEITH MUSEKE

The Kenya Human Rights Commission has urged Kenyans who will attend the planned Azimio la Umoja rally to maintain peace and order. 

KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said the demos should be conducted calmly.

"The KNCHR urges all Kenyans who choose to participate in the demonstrations to do so peacefully and calmly," Odede said on Tuesday.

She said it is important that Kenyans uphold the values of peace and tranquillity that have been the cornerstone of society. 

Odede said while it is important for citizens to exercise their rights and freedoms to picket, it is equally important to ensure that such demonstrations are carried out peacefully and calmly.

She said violent demonstrations and destruction of property are not only unlawful but also undermine the very ideals that demonstrations seek to promote.

"KNCHR calls on all Kenyans to refrain from any acts of violence and to respect other's property," she said. 

Odede urged police officers to respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of demonstrators as they carry out their duties.

She said law enforcement officers should not use excessive force to disrupt peaceful protests.

"The commission calls on the security agents to exercise restraint and to use only reasonable and necessary force when dealing with demonstrators," Odede said. 

"All those arrested during the demonstrations should be treated fairly and humanely, by the law."

She also called on the protest's organisers to ensure the demos are peaceful and that demonstrators are not armed.

Odede urged the police to ensure the provision of security and protection to all persons including journalists during the intended demonstrations. 

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