This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Kenyan government has implemented various measures to curb its spread, including a ban on public gatherings.
However, the police's enforcement of this ban has been marred by allegations of brutality and human rights abuses.
On July 7, 2020, police in Nairobi teargassed and arrested 50 activists who were participating in a peaceful procession to commemorate Saba Saba day.
The Saba Saba day is a significant event in Kenyan history, marking the fight against oppression that led to the restoration of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s.
According to the police, they were enforcing the ban on public gatherings, which is a key measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
However, the manner in which they enforced this ban has been widely criticized as callous and heavy-handed.
The police's actions have been described as a 'brutal enforcement of safety guidelines' and a 'clear infringement on people's rights.'
As the conveners of the procession pointed out, they had complied with the constitutional requirement to notify the police of their intention to hold a march in the city.
The authorities must strike a balance between enforcing pandemic safety regulations and protecting people's rights.
