Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has cautioned the police against employing teargas as a means to scatter peaceful demonstrators.
The CS stated that his office had been informed about certain individuals within the security sector who, in their enthusiasm, resorted to unnecessary and disproportionate force, contradicting the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of the 2010 Constitution.
This statement follows criticism from Azimio La Umoja Coalition Leader Raila Odinga, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum, who condemned the anti-riot police officers for their use of excessive force and live ammunition to prevent protesters from reaching the city center.
“Kama wananchi hawana silaha ,wachana na wananchi waseme mambo yao .Kama hawajabeba silaha,hawaumizi watu,hawavunji duka ya mtu wacha waongee mambo yao .Ikifika jioni wataenda nyumbani ,ikiwezekana wasindikishwe .”(“If the citizens are unarmed, leave them alone and let them express their opinions. If they are not carrying weapons, they won’t harm people or destroy someone’s shop, so let them discuss their issues. When evening comes, they will go home, and if possible, they should be escorted, he said )”
Kindiki’s cautionary message comes just one day after human rights activists, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, were subjected to teargas by the police at the Central Police Station. The activists had gathered there to demand the release of the detained individuals.
On Sunday, activist Boniface Mwangi made an announcement stating that the activists who had been detained at the Central Police Station were released that morning without having to pay any bail.
“All the young activists arrested on Friday in Nairobi during the Saba Saba protests have been released. They had not committed any crime. They were simply carrying placards. The police have given them free bonds. Thank you to everyone who demanded their release,” he stated.
The Azimio la Umoja one party announced that they will hold further anti-government protests on Wednesday,12th July.