Twenty-two casualties, including the shooting by police of a peaceful civilian at close range in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), have been reported in four counties following today’s protests.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the protests, which took place in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties, were largely peaceful but marred by excessive police force and attacks by masked gangs.
A disturbing feature of the Nairobi protests, KNCHR said, was the heavy presence of masked individuals on motorbikes, allegedly hired goons, who roamed the streets assaulting protesters and bystanders with tyre whips, wooden bars, and other crude weapons.
The KNCHR recorded injuries like gunshot wounds, head cuts, blunt trauma, and teargas-induced asthma, condemning police for failing to protect civilians and enabling violence, including looting and vandalism that forced businesses to close.
“This is an unacceptable conduct by the police, who are required to discharge their duties professionally and provide security for all persons without favour or bias,” the KNCHR stated while highlighting the arrest of four Human Rights Defenders in Mombasa, despite their protests being peaceful and legally notified.
The KNCHR accused police of hiding their identities with masks and hoods, violating a High Court order requiring officers to remain identifiable during protests. The commission condemned the practice, calling it unlawful and a threat to accountability.
“When those charged with maintaining law and order break the law with such impunity, they encourage citizens to disobey the law,” the statement read while calling for the immediate release of all arrested protesters.