Kenya’s Police Brutality Sparks Pan-African Outcry
On Wednesday, July 26, lawyers affiliated with the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), which has members in 56 countries, condemned the police brutality against protestors during the Azimio coalition’s anti-government demonstrations.
The CLA said in a statement that it had been monitoring events in the country and was alarmed by media reports depicting police officers using excessive force that resulted in grievous injuries and, in some cases, death.
Article 37 of the Kenyan constitution states that “everyone has the right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition the government.”
“Those in authority must uphold and respect this privilege. Additionally, the Kenyan police service has a responsibility to maintain law and order without using excessive force against civilians, according to the statement.
Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that every individual has the right to freedom of nonviolent assembly and association.
The attorneys emphasized that assembly freedom is the cornerstone of any democracy. The attorneys conveyed concern and reaffirmed their support for all Kenyan victims of police brutality.
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Subsequently, they demanded that the Kenyan government respect the right to free assembly.
In addition, the attorneys want the government to ensure that the Kenyan police cease using excessive force against unarmed civilians immediately.
“Take appropriate action against all police officers who have committed crimes against Kenyan citizens.” “The police uniform should not provide immunity from accountability,” argued the attorneys.
In conclusion, the attorneys urged the government to always uphold the Kenyan Constitution, specifically Article 37, and the rule of law.
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association has been at the forefront of promoting and upholding the rule of law in Kenya and the other Commonwealth nations.
Even as the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) reported that police killed six demonstrators and arrested more than 300 on July 19, 2023, during anti-government demonstrations, CLA released its statement.
On Wednesday, July 26, Azimio la Umoja held vigils across Kenya to honor Kenyans who lost their lives during the protests. Numerous supporters from across the nation gathered to light candles and lay flowers.
Kenya’s Police Brutality Sparks Pan-African Outcry
