The Intenational Commision of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya has issued an ultimatum to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) for investigations into alleged police brutality.
ICJ issued demands while revealing the number of deaths and injuries that resulted from police brutality during the Anti-Finance Bill protests.
The Commission through the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG-K) in a June 29,2024 open letter demanded thorough investigations against Police violations during anti-finance bill protests.
PRWG-K issued a seven-day ultimatum to IPOA to meet the listed demands while conveying its deepest concerns about the recent use of deadly force by law enforcers against peaceful protestors.
According to the group, the situation in Kenya is rapidly deteriorating following the sustained countrywide civilian protests opposing the proposed Finance Bill and other important issues affecting the nation.
PRWG-K Issues Demands to IPOA
The group in the letter highlighted documented violations from the police including extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, corporal punishment, and the use of unlawful force and firearms, among others.
“We, the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG-K), wish to bring to your attention the ongoing commission of gross violations of human rights perpetrated by the officers of the National Police Service (NPS).
In the spirit of the right to information, we look forward to your prompt action and updates on the progress of the investigations within seven days,” read part of the letter.
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PRWG-K demanded prompt action from IPOA to investigate listed instances of violations by the police and in great detail, noting that so far, it has documented 23 deaths, 34 enforced disappearances/abductions and 271 injuries.
Accountability
“In addition to being against international human rights instruments, these acts subvert democratic ideals and the rule of law.
Individuals in charge of approving and executing the use of fatal force, making arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, and forced disappearances must be held accountable and prosecuted,” the group adds.
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Further, the group insisted that IPOA must carry out its mission to impartially monitor and investigate police behavior.
IPOA has also been urged to guarantee that such flagrant breaches of human rights never happen again.
While issuing the ultimatum, the group highlighted that the legitimacy of Kenya’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law depends on timely and open Investigations.
The group has maintained that civilian attacks by Kenya’s security agencies are against international human rights standard.
PRWG-K noted that sections of the Kenyan Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Kenya is a signatory, safeguard the basic right to peaceful assembly.
At the same time, the group raised concerns on the deployment of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) following the approval by Parliament, warning that the situation could worsen.
The letter comes following a nationwide dissent over actions by police which has been particularly vocal since mid-May 2024, with the latest protest taking place on 27 June 2024.
Kenyans have been up in arms following a number of incidents, some which have been recorded, of police officers publicly engaging in activities that violate constitutional rights.
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