The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) has outlined critical issues that the government needs to urgently resolve on protests called by the Opposition.
In a statement on Tuesday, Chairperson Roseline Odede said the Commission has in the past week noted trends that are worrying.
She said the commission has received reports on torture by security agents beating people even after they surrender.
"The Commission has received reports of torture and abuse, wanton beating of persons even after surrender, indiscriminate tear-gassing of residences and schools," Odede said.
"There have been heart-rending images on mainstream media and social media platforms, clearly showing the involvement of uniformed police officers in the wanton and brutal attack of defenceless members of the public."
She said security agents must be held accountable for their actions and comply with the law, which expressly prohibits torture.
"The Commission within its mandate in the Prevention of Torture Act shall initiate inquiries into the alleged instances of torture and issue report and recommend effective measures for prevention and accountability," she said.
Odede urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to hasten its investigations into the allegations of torture and ensure perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences.
She added that the grim and grave reality is that there has been a clear manifestation of violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.
This comes after Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Ngong’o condemned the excessive use of force by the police on Kisumu residents.
Nyongo in a statement said police who had been deployed to quell what he termed as peaceful demonstrations in Kisumu were using excessive force on innocent harmless members of the public.
“Even after stopping members of the public from exercising their democratic rights to picket over the high cost of living imposed by the Kenya Kwanza government, the police armed with all manner of weapons are pursuing innocent residents deep into the residential areas and brutalising them,” Nyongo said.
He called on the police to stop profiling the people of Kisumu saying all they need is justice, not brutality.
According to the governor, residents of Nyalenda, Manyatta, Obunga and Bandani are the ones who have been hit the most during the operation.
