Watchdog blames ‘disproportionate force’ by Kenya police for protest deaths

Watchdog Blames Police for Deadly Force During Protests

A recent report by Kenya’s police watchdog has blamed law enforcement officers for using disproportionate force that led to the deaths of at least 65 people during a series of national protests.

Oversight Authority Links Most Deaths to Police

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), in its Thursday report, said most of the deaths occurred due to the actions of police officers. The watchdog highlighted violations of constitutional policing standards, noting the use of excessive force, unprofessional conduct, and a general disregard for public safety and rights.

Protests Sparked by Police Brutality and Governance Concerns

The protests erupted over the past six weeks, with citizens demonstrating against police brutality and controversial government policies. The demonstrations occurred on four separate days, starting with a largely peaceful protest in Nairobi on 12 June. This initial protest followed the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, a young teacher and blogger who died in police custody. While the police initially claimed the injuries were self-inflicted, three officers have since been charged with his murder.

Escalating Violence Across Demonstration Days

The second protest, held on 17 June, turned tragic when street vendor Boniface Kariuki was shot at close range and later died. An officer has been charged in connection with the killing. A third protest on 23 June marked the one-year anniversary of previous anti-government demonstrations triggered by tax hikes, which had since been reversed. According to the IPOA report, 23 people lost their lives that day.

July 7 Protest Turns Deadly

The fourth protest, held on 7 July, was the most violent, with 41 deaths recorded nationwide. The IPOA also documented 342 civilian injuries and 171 injuries to police officers over the course of the four demonstrations. Alongside the human cost, looting and destruction were reported, targeting businesses, police stations, and government facilities.

Opportunists Undermine Peaceful Assembly

While placing most of the blame on the police, the IPOA acknowledged that opportunistic elements had infiltrated the protests. Described as “goons,” these individuals engaged in looting and violence, undermining the peaceful intentions of the majority of demonstrators.

Police Decline to Comment on Findings

A spokesperson for the police declined to comment on the watchdog’s findings. Instead, they referred media to a prior statement from the Interior Ministry dated 15 July, which attributed the unrest to criminals, looters, and anarchists rather than official wrongdoing.

Ruto’s Controversial Orders Raise Alarm

President William Ruto’s response to the 7 July violence drew sharp criticism after he ordered police officers to shoot protesters in the legs if they were caught damaging businesses. “Anyone caught burning another person’s business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised, and later taken to court,” Ruto stated. “Don’t kill them, but ensure their legs are broken.”

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Government Denial of Excessive Force

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen previously dismissed claims of police brutality. In June, he labelled the protests as acts of terrorism disguised as dissent, and called them an unconstitutional attempt to change the government.

Rights Groups Condemn Government Response

Human rights groups have strongly condemned the government’s reaction to the protests. They accuse the authorities of not only tolerating but also encouraging the use of deadly force. The crackdown, they say, reflects a pattern of repression and disregard for democratic freedoms.

Call for Accountability and Reform

The IPOA has called for accountability for the officers involved in the killings and has recommended reforms to ensure professional policing in future public demonstrations. As the political climate in Kenya remains tense, civil society continues to demand justice for victims and respect for the right to peaceful protest.

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