- Peter Kiama from the Police Reforms Working Group allege police have express orders to shoot and kill protesters.
- The five deaths in Mlolongo, he said, are clear examples of state-ordered executions
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been asked to probe alleged cases of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment by police in the ongoing Azimio protests.
While expressing its concerns over alleged police brutality, the Civil society organisations said action ought to be taken against those involved.
Addressing the press Friday, Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) coordinator Peter Kiama alleged that police have express orders to shoot and kill protesters.
"All the five shootings that happened during demos took place miles away from the ExpressWay where the main protests were ongoing," he claimed.
The official noted that they have so far documented 27 cases of extra judicial killings as he assured families of support in the quest for justice.
"We shall be supporting the families in seeking for compensation from the government by all means possible...and we challenge IPOA to take up this matter," he stated.
The lobbyists comprised Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHCR), Haki Africa, Amnesty International, FIDA Kenya, IMLU among others several others.
It has at the same time censured President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki for commending the police over their actions.
Such statements, he said, portend a slow march of the state into a police state.
"We are witnessing a disturbing pattern of police operation that exposes the country to civil strife and informal repression. Police are now working together with what appears to be a private militia," KHCR board member Wanjiru Gikonyo said.