Amnesty International has raised concern over an increase in non-uniformed police officers during anti-government protests.
In a statement on Thursday, the lobby decried a rise in arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators by officers who are wearing civilian clothes.
Amnesty Executive Director Irungu Houghton said all officers deployed to quell protests must be identifiable by uniform or number badges to avoid abuse of power and other violations.
He further noted that all arrests must be carried out legally and not as a tool to punish or intimidate people.
“All those arrested have the right to know the charges being referred, legal representation, medical assistance and bail or bond within 24 hours,” he said.
Irungu called for an immediate end to violent policing and criminalising of protests by the state, saying the government has a duty to protect protestors from intimidation and suppression.
“Calls by political leaders urging the police to shoot and/or arbitrarily arrest protestors and brandishing private firearms must be arrested,” Irungu said.
He has further faulted the use of excessive force on protesters noting that the attacks, and use of excessive, unnecessary and unlawful force, including lethal force are leading to increased deaths and injuries of both adults and children.
Irungu said since March 2023, protests, Amnesty has noted at least 30 cases of protesters allegedly killed by police.
“The deaths have been attributed to suffocation from tear gas and lethal shootings,” Irungu said.
He has called on NCIC, the police and the ODPP to investigate and prosecute citizens and leaders using social media to urge Kenyans to commit acts of violence, hatred and discrimination.
