The International Justice Mission has called on the police to use less force when dealing with protesters.
IJM Country Director Benson Shamala on Friday expressed grave concern about the ongoing anti-government protests adding that the instability has led to the loss of lives and properties.
"IJM calls for the immediate de-escalation in the use of force in responding to demonstrations, particularly the application of the principles of necessity and proportionality by police," Shamala said.
Shamala said they are saddened by the deaths of 30 people as tracked by the media and Civil Society Organisations.
"We also take note of numerous other Kenyans both police and civilians who have suffered harm as a result of the ensuing violence," Shamala said.
IJM, having worked with Kenya for the last 23 years on police reforms and child violence, is currently supporting over 70 active criminal cases of police abuse of power in different Kenyan courts.
Shamala called on police to desist from killings, maiming and harassment of Kenyans in line with Schedule VI of the NPS Act.
He said police should also ensure medical assistance for anyone injured and report any deaths and serious injuries to IPOA for investigations.
Shamala said in the earlier days of demonstrations, police officers exhibited restraint in dealing with protesters.
"Through media reports, we have seen numerous instances of armed police officers retreating from protesters and regrouping," he said.
Shamala said, recently, IJM has witnessed instances of unjustified use of force against innocent civilians – including harassment of journalists, shootings, and teargassing of school-going children.
He further expressed concern with the alleged introduction of a secret police squad, barely six months since President William Ruto disbanded a similar unit accused of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances.
"We have noticed that the response to the demonstrations has been partly marked by plain-clothed armed officers, using pistols and unmarked police cars," Shamala said.
He said from experience, such units are contrary to the recognised chain of command and provide the opportunity for criminality and limit accountability.
Shamala called for the immediate removal of clandestine police squads from enforcing response to demonstrations.
He also urged protestors to practice restraint and respect property.
Further, Shamala said IPOA should investigate the killings that occurred during the demonstration.
" IJM calls for the government to revisit the issue of police welfare including remuneration, tooling and kitting and mental health," Shamala said.
He said police officers should be reminded that they take personal responsibility in court for their use of force, and as such should be careful to act within the stipulations of the law.
