Agency Cautions Government on Resurgence of Special Squads
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) issued a warning on Tuesday, July 25 regarding the presence of a state-sanctioned clandestine squad responsible for brutalizing protestors and carrying out abductions, effectively corroborating claims made by various human rights groups in the wake of the anti-government protests organized by the Azimio coalition.
The Commission stated in a statement that it had received multiple reports of alleged abductions by state agents and was taking action in response to these reports.
Concerned about the state of the nation, the lobby warned that recent events were an agonizing reminder of the nation’s past when government-sanctioned special squads engaged in extrajudicial activities.
“Such practices violate fundamental human rights and erode trust between the police, the state, and its citizens,” stated the commission.
Roseline Odede, the chairperson of the commission, raised a red flag over the issue and calls for rigorous and open investigations into the allegations.
“Investigations must be objective, and those found responsible must be held accountable,” she stated.
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In addition, the Commission criticized the police for arbitrarily arresting protestors and opposition legislators.
KNHRC reaffirmed that all apprehended individuals must be promptly informed of the reasons for their detention and informed of their right to remain silent.
The statement continued, “Breaking into homes, as we have seen in Kisumu and other places, and conducting improper arrests while using brutality and torture violates the rights of citizens.”
The administration of President William Ruto was also criticized for not respecting the judiciary and operating outside the law.
In particular, the KNHCR cited instances in which journalists covering proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts were dispersed by security agents, citing this as a flagrant violation of the doctrine of separation of powers.
Lastly, the chairperson demanded that vulnerable populations and special interest groups be shielded from violence and harassment during demonstrations.
Agency Cautions Government on Resurgence of Special Squads
