Amnesty Kenya
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and observers. We call on the @NPSOfficial_KE to uphold its duty to protect and guarantee the rights of Kenyan citizens to peacefully protest. #OccupyParliament
PRMG-K
Police Reform Task Force – Kenya
PRESS RELEASE
Immediate release of #OccupyParliament protesters and condemnation of police brutality
June 18, 2024
Twenty-one human rights and governance organizations, members of the Police Reform Working Group in Kenya (PRWG-Kenya), are deeply alarmed and outraged by the mass arrests of 210 peaceful protesters, journalists and members of our staff observing the #OccupyParliament protest this morning. The use of excessive force, intimidation of civilians, violation of privacy through body searches and arbitrary arrests constitute a flagrant violation of the constitutional rights of the people of Kenya.
The right to peacefully assemble and demonstrate is enshrined in Article 37 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. The right to express oneself on public affairs is essential for any democratic and responsible society. However, once again, the National Police Service has acted in complete disregard of these rights to silence dissent through force and intimidation.
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested demonstrators and observers. We call on the National Police Service to uphold its duty to protect and ensure the rights of Kenyan citizens to peacefully protest. The use of excessive force and intimidation must stop immediately. Additionally, we urge the National Police Service to facilitate and guarantee the right to protest. This includes ensuring protesters can express their opinions without fear of arrest or violence. The actions witnessed today are not only a violation of human rights, but also a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom in Kenya.
We express our solidarity with all those who courageously exercised their right to protest and call on all Kenyans to join us in demanding accountability and respect for our constitutional rights. We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans. The Police Reform Task Force is closely monitoring the situation, providing direct support to those affected and is already exploring legal actions to seek redress.
This communiqué is signed by members of the Police Reform Task Force – Kenya, an alliance of national and grassroots organizations committed to professional, accountable and human rights-respecting policing. Members include:
Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) Kariobangi Paralegal Network Coalition of Defenders Institut Katiba Social Justice Centers Working Group (SJCW) Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) International Justice Mission (IJM-K) JUSTICE Africa Amnesty International Kenya Women Empowerment Link Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED) Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ Kenya) Social Justice Centers Working Group (SJCW) Transparency International Kenya Shield for Justice Fondation Wangu Kanja Consortium for Education for the Constitution and Reform (CRECO) Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ) Peace Brigades International Kenya (PBI Kenya) For more information and interviews, contact Mathias T. Kinyoda on Mobile: +254723424802 | E-mail : [email protected]
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