- They called on the National Police Service to facilitate and safeguard the right to protest.
- According to them, police should ensure that protestors can express their views without fear of arrest or violence.
Image: ENOS TECHE
Human Rights groups have called on the government to release protesters, observers and journalists arrested on Tuesday during demonstrations.
According to the lobby groups, at least 210 peaceful protestors, journalists and observers were arrested during the protests dubbed 'Occupy Parliament'.
In a statement, 21 human rights and governance organisations under the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-Kenya) said they are alarmed and outraged by the Tuesday arrests.
"We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protestors and observers," they said in a joint statement.
"We call on the National Police Service to uphold their duty to protect and respect the rights of Kenyan citizens to assemble peacefully. The use of excessive force and intimidation must cease immediately," they said.
The PRWG-Kenya alleged that there was excessive force, intimidation of civilians, and violation of privacy through physical searches and arbitrary arrests.
"The right to peaceful assembly and protest is enshrined under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society," the statement read.
"The right to speak on public affairs is vital for any democratic and accountable society. However, once again, the National Police Service has acted in blatant disregard for these rights to silence dissent through force and intimidation."
They called on the National Police Service to facilitate and safeguard the right to protest.
According to them, police should ensure that protestors can express their views without fear of arrest or violence.
"The actions witnessed today are not only a violation of human rights but also a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom in Kenya."
The PRWG-Kenya said they are documenting the situation and providing direct support to those affected and already exploring legal action for redress.
Several Kenyans were arrested for participating in the 'Occupy Parliament' protests.
Police in plain clothes arrested protesters who were converging at various meeting points within the Central Business District.
The members of the Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya is an alliance of national and grassroots organisations.
They include the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), the Kariobangi Paralegal Network, Defenders Coalition, Katiba Institute, Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), International Justice Mission (IJM-K), HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, Women Empowerment Link, Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED) and Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
Others were the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Kenya), International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ - Kenya), Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), Transparency International Kenya, Shield For Justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ) and Peace Brigades International Kenya (PBI Kenya).