The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K), supported by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), extends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the 39 individuals who lost their lives in the recent protests. Davis Marombe, the Executive Director of PRWG-K, also expressed sympathy for the police officers who were killed or critically injured during these events. The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) reported on July 1st, 2024, that 361 people were injured, 627 were arbitrarily arrested, and 32 forcibly disappeared, with numbers likely increasing after the July 2nd protests.
PRWG-K denounced the excessive use of force by law enforcement and the involvement of hired goons in the protests. The police’s use of water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators has led to unnecessary injuries and fatalities, violating Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition.
Despite a recent court order barring police from using such measures, the violence persisted. Under the Public Order Management Act, police are obligated to uphold public safety and facilitate peaceful protests. However, PRWG-K expressed deep concern over police failures to fulfill this duty, noting the involvement of hired goons committing robberies and assaults, further undermining the credibility of peaceful demonstrations.
The group called for immediate accountability from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to hold those responsible for the violence and disruptions accountable. They also condemned the actions of these hired goons, which resulted in significant property damage and economic loss, urging swift justice to restore public confidence.
The withdrawal of Medics for Kenya, a volunteer group providing emergency services during the protests, due to safety concerns was highlighted as a severe consequence of the escalating violence. PRWG-K also condemned the increasing state attacks on civic space and human rights defenders, emphasizing the need to protect these individuals to maintain democratic governance.
PRWG-K reminded the state of its duty to ensure law enforcement respects and protects the rights of citizens to assemble and express their views peacefully. They stressed that police responses should be proportionate and lawful, distinguishing between peaceful demonstrators and criminal activities, as mandated by Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya.
PRWG-K called on the government to protect Kenya’s civic space, ensure the safety of human rights defenders, hold those responsible for violence accountable, and engage in open dialogue with citizens to address the root causes of the protests and work towards meaningful solutions