Human rights defenders have yet again weighed in on the use of excessive force by the police in the recent anti-femicide protest in Nairobi.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), the Law Society of Kenya, and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit acknowledge the transfer of key commanding officers involved in the unlawful use of force during the 10 December 2024 International Human Rights Day march.
However, the human rights defender noted that transferring the officers is not enough since it does not address systemic issues.
“On 16 December 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, announced the transfer of Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Doris Mugambi, SSP, to Vigilance House and Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Stephen Okal to Mulot. In their place, former BuruBuru Deputy OCPD Stephen Okal, SSP, has been appointed as the new Nairobi Central OCPD, while CI Talaam will now serve as the new Central OCS.
“While this is a step toward accountability, it falls far short of addressing the systemic issues that enable such abuses; transferring officers is not enough; meaningful reforms are urgently needed to prevent such violations. We call on the police Inspector General to overhaul police operations and prioritize peaceful engagement with protestors,” reads part of the joint statement.
They further stated that they are ready to engage with the relevant authorities in crafting reforms that uphold human rights.
“We stand ready to engage the National Police Service and the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government in crafting practical and actionable reforms that uphold the constitutional rights of all Kenyans. The right to peaceful assembly must be respected, protected, and facilitated, not violently repressed,” reads part of the joint statement.
Demands
The Human Rights Defenders demanded criminal accountability and responsibility from the National Police Service and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), adding that they must ensure criminal charges are brought against all officers who used unlawful force during the march.
In addition, the Inspector General of Police should lead a comprehensive review of police operations during public assemblies. Training programs must prioritize peaceful engagement, de-escalation tactics, and respect for constitutional rights.
Reaffirm that a reasonable three-day notice is sufficient to enable Kenyans to exercise their right to peaceful assembly, as stipulated under the law.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) must conduct an independent review of this incident and publish its findings.
They also demanded that human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and the National Police Service must collaborate on practical strategies to transform policing culture.
Accountability without justice is incomplete. While the transfer of officers involved in the unlawful use of force at the #EndFemicide March is a step, systemic reforms are urgently needed to end impunity and protect peaceful assembly. https://t.co/LyMPCPB8Xc pic.twitter.com/NUpJ0j6SxO
— Amnesty Kenya (@AmnestyKenya) December 17, 2024
