This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
July 8, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya
A human rights lobby group has expressed concerns over the rising cases of police brutality in Kenya.
The Defenders Coalition, a human rights lobby group, has condemned the violent disruption of a peaceful march by youthful human rights activists in Nairobi.
The activists were marching to commemorate Sabasaba day and to call for action against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances.
According to the Defenders Coalition, a total of 63 rights defenders were arrested during the peaceful protest and detained in different police stations across the city.
Defenders Coalition Executive Director Kamau Ngugi condemned the violent disruption of the peaceful processions, terming the incident as a direct mutilation of the constitution.
“The protection of rights and freedoms extended by the constitution is on trial. Sanctity of life, freedom of assembly and expression are all on trial. Let us fully endeavor to implement the constitution before we think of changing it,” He said.
Mr. Ngugi stated that police violence against organizers of such a historic event continues to diminish trust between members of the public and the security forces.
“Whatever the justification the state will advance for its callous action against justice crusaders on such a momentous occasion will by no means save the situation, in fact it continues to erode citizens trust of the state and its institutions,” Mr. Ngugi said.
He noted that the trend of police violence is now worrying, citing the recent incidents of police brutality in Kisii County and Lessos.
