Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – According to two prominent international human rights groups, Kenyan police were involved in the killing of 12 people, including two children, during violent opposition demonstrations in March. In a statement released on Wednesday, the groups, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned the lack of accountability from Kenyan authorities.
The protests took place in various parts of the country following the arrest of opposition leader Raila Odinga. The government had banned large gatherings due to COVID-19 restrictions, but opposition supporters ignored the ban and took to the streets to demand the release of their leader.
According to the report by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the police used excessive force during the protests. They fired live ammunition and tear gas at crowds of peaceful protesters, and raided homes in opposition strongholds, terrorising residents.
The report also alleges that police officers broke down doors and entered homes by force, beating and shooting residents. The two children who were killed were shot in their homes.
“The police officers who killed these people, including the children, must be held accountable for their actions,” said Otsieno Namwaya, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The Kenyan government must launch a thorough and independent investigation into these killings, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The report also highlights the climate of fear and intimidation that has developed in some parts of Kenya. Many people are too afraid to speak out against the police, for fear of reprisals. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are calling for the international community to put pressure on the Kenyan government to take action.
“The Kenyan government must take responsibility for the actions of its police force,” said Irungu Houghton, director of Amnesty International Kenya. “It’s not enough to issue statements condemning the violence – the government must hold the police accountable for their actions. The impunity with which the police are killing people must stop.”
The killing of the 12 people has sparked outrage in Kenya and around the world. There have been calls for a thorough investigation into the incident, and for those responsible to be brought to justice. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the killings.
In conclusion, the report by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch has highlighted the need for accountability from the Kenyan government and its police force. With pressure from the international community, there is hope that justice will be served for the victims of the March protests.
