This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
On June 12, 2020, the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS) proposed guidelines to manage Kenya's ongoing Covid-19 curfew. The proposals come in the wake of the nationwide night curfew and cessation of movement order.
CHRIPS, in its document titled 'Policing the Covid-19 crisis in Kenya,' urged the police to exercise restraint in their management of security measures. The organisation cited a high number of complaints and reported deaths linked to police actions during the curfew.
According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, 87 complaints against the police have been reported since March 27, when heightened security measures were put in place to combat the spread of Covid-19. Fifteen deaths have been directly linked to actions of police officers during the curfew.
CHRIPS Executive Director Mutuma Ruteere stated, 'The high number of complaints and reported deaths have raised concerns and there is urgent need for police accountability, mending public trust and utilising community–oriented policing.'
CHRIPS also questioned the appropriateness of legal and regulatory measures taken in response to the pandemic, including police violations and failure to prioritise health and medical considerations in enforcement of the Public Health Act.
Ruteere added, 'Strengthened police oversight mechanisms and improved policing, particularly in implementation of Covid-19 related directives, is essential especially in mitigating violent extremism.'
CHRIPS recommended taking disciplinary action on officers found to have violated citizens' rights and clear communication to the public on the rationale and projected impact of measures adopted for preventing and containing the virus.
