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Let people protest freely, human rights organisations tell state

At least 16 people were killed in the March protests.

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by BRIAN ORUTA

News31 May 2023 - 08:38
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In Summary


  • • The lobby groups said they would not like to see what happened in March during the opposition protests repeat itself.
  • • Irungu also called on IPOA to complete their probe on police conduct during the protests.

Human rights organisations have called on the state to let Kenyans protest freely. 

Speaking on Wednesday, the lobbyists said they would not like to see what happened in March during the opposition protests repeat itself.

"There is possibly going to be another round of Maandamano and what we are saying is we have not forgotten the impact of the first set of protests, and therefore we do not want to see a repeat of what we saw in March, "Amnesty International Kenya director Irungu Houghton said.

"What we want to see is Justice, accountability and facilitation of non-violent protests that allow Kenyans to express their views on any matter."

He was giving an update on police brutality during the March 20, protests in the country.

Houghton also called on Ipoa to complete their probe on police conduct during the protests.

He said the delays in the conclusion of investigations into the events of police using firearms illegally during protests are not providing closure for families of people like Edith and Joyce, whose children were allegedly killed by the police.

"We must as mothers and fathers, and as children of this nation argue that there has to be no delay in dispensing justice and holding policemen accountable for use of their firearms in an illegal manner," Houghton said.

"We are therefore calling for the conclusion of those investigations and prosecution of officers who have broken the law."

At least 16 people were killed in the March protests.

Amnesty said 50 per cent of the deaths they have recorded are for people who were not involved in protests.

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