It’s regrettable – PS Omollo on police action during anti-femicide demo

Interior PS Raymond Omollo has said the police handling of anti-femicide protesters on Tuesday was “quite unfortunate”.

Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Omollo said such action on the International Human Rights Day showed the challenges Kenya is facing around policing.

Omollo added that “things did not go right”, saying the teargassing and arresting of the protesters was unacceptable.

“We have had talks with the inspector general of police and it is regrettable, it is something that should not have happened in the first place,” he said.

Omollo added that the country has been having a series of concerns about the increased incidents of femicide in the country, noting the importance of such a march.

Criticising the police action, the US Embassy commented on the issue, noting that it was concerning that police would take violent action towards Kenyans exercising their constitutional right.

It expressed the US government’s commitment to supporting stakeholders’ efforts to end the surging cases of femicide in Kenya and uphold human rights.

"It is regrettable and concerning to see police action against Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully. On International Human Rights Day and every day, the United States supports efforts to #EndFemicideKE and protect the human rights of all people," a statement read. 

Lobbies including the Amnesty Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya had on Tuesday raised concerns after the alleged brutal treatment of the demonstrators by police.

 The groups said the arrests and disruption were a direct attack on Kenya's democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens.

“The excessive force and unwarranted arrests not only violate national and international human rights laws but also send a chilling message to all those advocating for justice and accountability,” a statement read in part.

"These actions undermine the rule of law and reinforce the impunity that perpetuates violence against women. We strongly condemn the use of teargas against unarmed citizens and the arrest of peaceful demonstrators."