Azimio la Umoja leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has spoken out against the use of excessive force by the police during the recent protests dubbed Nane nane.
In a statement on August 9, Raila condemned the harassment, unlawful arrests and police brutality on peaceful protestors and journalists.
Additionally, the former prime minister called out the police for the attack on Cable News Network (CNN) correspondent Larry Madowo who was reporting on the Nane nane protests in Nairobi CBD.
“I have been made aware of the events that transpired during the peaceful Nane nane protests. It is with deep concern that I learned of the arbitrary arrests, detentions, and excessive use of force by the police, which led to the harassment of peaceful protesters and journalists, including a member of the international press,” he said.
Odinga also termed police actions as unacceptable and noted that they went against the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression.
“These actions are not only unacceptable but also a direct violation of the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to peaceful assembly, the freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists are fundamental pillars of our democracy, pillars that we have fought long and hard to establish and must continue to protect,” he added.
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Raila Odinga Stance on Justice
Raila reaffirmed his stance of standing with Kenyans to ensure justice while calling on authorities to respect the constitutional rights of all Kenyans.
At the same time, he called for the release of the protestors who were detained and urged the relevant authorities to conduct an investigation into the misconduct of the officers involved.
“I want to make it clear that I stand with the people in their quest for justice, freedom, and the full realization of their rights. I strongly condemn the actions taken by the police yesterday and call upon the relevant authorities to respect the constitutional rights of all Kenyans.”
“I also urge the immediate release of those who were unjustly detained and a thorough investigation into the misconduct of the officers involved,” he said.
In his statement, Odinga encouraged Kenyans to stay united in their commitment to build a Kenya that respects the rule of law, upholds the rights of its citizens, and values the role of a free and fair press.
Also Read: Why President Ruto Needs Raila Odinga More Than Ever
Larry Madowo Attacked
CNN correspondent Larry Madowo reported that he was attacked by police officers during the recent anti- government protests on August 8.
In a video seen by The Kenya Times, Larry was heard questioning the police on why they had targeted and shot directly at him, yet he was not protesting.
“Kenyan police targeted me directly today. I was hit by a fragment after officers aimed at me and my CNN team at least twice while covering protests in Nairobi,” Larry said.
Larry further revealed that CNN had reached out to the police for a comment on their misconduct, but the call went unanswered.
However, upon reaching out a second time, the National Police Service (NPS) stated that they would hold a meeting with journalists soon.
“I was talking about Kenyan police covering their plates shortly before they shot projectiles at me. CNN has asked the police what happened here. No response so far.”
“We asked Kenya’s National Police Service again why we appear to have been targeted at least twice on the same day. “This is noted and NPS will hold a meeting with journalists soon,” he said.
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