Lobbies issue 4 demands after arrest, release of anti-femicide protesters

The Law Society of Kenya and a group of Human Rights defenders have issued four demands to state agencies following the arrest and release of anti-femicide defenders without being charged.

The lobby groups in a joint statement on Monday claimed there was a deliberate disregard of the lawful and constructive dialogue during the anti-femicide demos held on December 10.

Consequently, the lobby groups allege at least eight protesters suffered physical injuries and harm from rubber bullets and teargas.

It is on that basis that they tabled four demands to state agencies in a bid to find justice for the affected.

"The Inspector General of Police must overhaul police tactics and prioritise peaceful engagement with protesters. It must be unequivocally reaffirmed that reasonable three-day notice, once given, is sufficient to enable Kenyans to exercise their rights under the law," they said.

The lobby groups included Amnesty International, ICJ Kenya, and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit.

During the protests, five other people were arrested but were later released on Monday, six days later, after they were presented in court without charge sheet.

The Lobby groups now want the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) to urgently investigate the conduct of police officers who flout the law by operating in plainclothes without identification.

They said that police officers should at all times uphold constitutional rights and not enforce any form of repression.

"The Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) must expedite its investigations into the officers involved and publicise its findings without delay," they added.

"The officer of the Director of Public Prosecution must pursue charges against the individuals implicated in these violations, ensuring superior officers are held accountable for their command failures."

On International Human Rights Day on December 10,  2024, a peaceful march was organised to highlight the rise in femicide cases across Kenya.

The march, however, descended into chaos when uniformed and non-uniformed officers of the National Police Service moved in to disperse protesters.