According to a statement released on Tuesday evening, among the injured is a hawker who was shot at close range by police in Nairobi’s CBD. He remains in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
“The Commission has recorded twenty-two (22) casualties, including the shooting by police of a peaceful civilian who is currently in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital,” read the KNCHR statement.
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Police Brutality and Arrests Condemned
The commission also condemned the arrest of peaceful protestors, including four human rights defenders in Mombasa. KNCHR emphasized that demonstrations were lawfully notified and within citizens’ constitutional rights.
“Despite compliance with the law, protestors and rights defenders were unlawfully arrested. We demand their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement continued.
Masked Goons and Police Inaction
KNCHR also raised concerns over the deployment of masked, violent goons riding motorbikes, who assaulted civilians with crude weapons. The commission noted that the assailants operated freely in the presence of police officers.
“Masked thugs attacked civilians using tyre whips and wooden bars while police stood by. This amounts to complicity and further erodes public trust in law enforcement,” KNCHR reported.
Violations of Court Orders by Police
According to the commission, many officers concealed their faces and vehicle registration numbers, violating a 2024 High Court order requiring officers to be identifiable during protest operations.
“When those responsible for maintaining law and order act with such impunity, they embolden lawlessness and erode the rule of law,” the commission warned.