Kenya : Justice Unveiled: Uniting the United Nations and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to Bring Perpetrators of Innocent Civilian Deaths to Book

The United Nations human rights are now concerned with the widespread violence, death and unnecessary use of force, including the use of a firearm that has seen dozens of Kenyans killed while others are left nursing dreadful injuries in the wake of anti-government protests led by Kenya’s opposition leader, Raila Odinga.

Through its spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, the human rights agency called upon all authorities, that’s, the police officers to protect and ensure the right to peaceful assembly as required by Kenya’s constitution and the international human rights law.

Part of the UN’s statement read that the policing of protests must seek to facilitate peaceful assemblies and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.

According to the United Nations human rights spokesperson, police officers had constantly and openly despised these fundamental aspects of the right to gather, picket and demonstrate.

Local news outlets in Kenya’s capital had reported that at least 23 people had been reported dead due to the use of firearms by Kenya’s police. The United Nations strongly condemned the act calling the government to bring to justice those responsible for the death of innocent civilians.

 » Firearms should never be used to disperse protests. »

The United nation’s human rights call to the Kenya Kwanza government not only received reinforcement from the clergy but also from the local Kenya national commission on human rights in the country.

The commission condemned the excessive force employed by the police in the course of arresting the demonstrators citing that the protests were organized within the framework of Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution and the right to peaceful assembly.

KNCHR further noted that the excessive force employed by the law enforcement officers not only deprived the organizer’s right and liberty to assembly but also disrupted businesses as well as undermined children’s right to education.

“Just like other like-minded Kenyans, the Commission is equally abhorred and deeply concerned by the irresponsible and unprovoked lobbing of gas canisters by police officers; with serious health ramifications, meted upon 53 innocent pupils of Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi. KNCHR hasten to reiterate that the safety and well-being of children should be of utmost importance, and such actions are unacceptable.”

It called for a thorough investigation to be conducted with a view of bringing the responsible police officers accountable for their actions.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights urgently asked all leaders to work in unison for the betterment of all Kenyans citing that leaders must put aside their political differences and contestation and forge ways of working towards addressing the underlying issues that have led to the persistent demonstrations.

The human rights commission believes that the county would find sustainable solutions to the causes of the anti-government protests in the country if both parties can embrace constructive engagement.

One of the reasons for the protests in Kenya is to alleviate the burden of the high cost of living and improve the overall welfare of all citizens.

Kenya’s human rights commission further directed the government, through the Inspector General of Police, to conduct thorough and prompt investigations of the incidents that transpired during demonstrations and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations and abuses are held accountable and justice is served.

Equally, the Commission asked the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to review and investigate the conduct of the deployed police officers in quelling the demonstrations.

KNCHR also urged the government to put in play measures that facilitate the peaceful exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights, while ensuring the safety and security of all Kenyans.

The protests were organized by Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga to challenge the Kenya Kwanza government for high taxation, high cost of living, land and electoral reforms.

ANTI – GOVERNMENT PROTESTS AFTERMATH 

According to footage aired on Kenyan Television, protesters were captured clashing with police officers subjecting investors to the loss of properties and installations worth millions.

The unrest in Kenya’s capital and the city port of Mombasa led to the closure of schools leading to the deprivation of the student’s right to education, further crippling the dilapidated economy resulting from the disrupted businesses.

Also, it led to the arrest of the opposition officials in unclear circumstances. Those who were arrested include Kilifi County speaker Hon. Teddy Mwambire, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, and Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili the letter was detained incommunicado. On the list were also the opposition Members of the county assembly.

Samuel Mbogoh, Kenya

Sources: United Nation’s Press release

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

Image sources  : Aljazeera