Police must be held accountable for attacks on protesters

In a country where women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, the alarming rise in femicide has ignited national outrage. Peaceful protests, largely led by women and youth, have been staged to demand accountability and action from the government.

However, rather than listening to these voices calling for justice, the National Police Service responded with tear gas, rungus and mass arrests.

This heavy-handed, authoritarian response is not only unjustifiable but also a blatant violation of human rights and constitutional freedoms. The government’s failure to protect its citizens, combined with the criminalisation of dissent, underscores the continued failure by State institutions to uphold constitutional rights.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37. However, this right has been flagrantly disregarded by institutions tasked with upholding it. The brutal repression of peaceful demonstrators who were demanding accountability for the lives lost to femicide, is yet another example of how the State has continued to oversteps its bounds.

The disturbing pattern of police using excessive force against citizens is well-documented, yet there is still no accountability.

Kenya is still grappling with the aftermath of the violent response to the Gen Z-led protests, which included abductions, torture and killings. Over four months have passed since these atrocities were committed, but no one has been held accountable. This is despite the President’s vow that such actions would not occur under his leadership.

The excessive force used against the #EndFemicideKE protesters sends a clear message: the government seeks to protect its interests not those of the citizens. It is also disappointing that politicians remain silent on the excessive use of force by police.

The primary role of the government is to protect its citizens, yet its actions tell a different story. Arresting peaceful protesters while failing to arrest those responsible for heinous acts of femicide is a stark dereliction of duty. How can a government claim to champion human rights when it criminalises the exercise of those very rights?

The police must be held accountable for their actions. It is unacceptable for public resources to be used to oppress rather than safeguard the people. The government must prioritise the protection of its citizens over preservation of its image.

Timothy Kimaiyo, InformAction Kenya