The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has castigated police for shooting dead at least nine people during anti-government protests called by the opposition on Wednesday.
The several human rights groups have accused law enforcers of using excessive force against the demonstrators where nine lives were lost during the protests.
The commission said four people were killed in Mlolongo while Kitengela, Emali, Sondu and Migori reported one death each.
“The Constitution dictates that an individual’s right to life must be upheld. One life lost is too many. Every life lost represents someone’s spouse, child, parent, friend, neighbour or colleague,” KNCHR said in a statement released on Thursday 13th July.
The commission is now calling on all leaders across the political divide to put aside their political differences and find ways of working together to avert more deaths.
Kenya Human Rights Commission also accused police officers of killing and arresting protesters during the demos that turned chaotic in some areas.
“Law enforcement officers have tragically taken lives, arbitrarily arrested protestors and left many others injured,” KHRC stated in a statement.
Haki Africa condemned the teargassing of demonstrators in Mombasa and other parts of the country by police officers and called for restraint.
“We urge restraint and avoidance of excessive use of police force. We must encourage peace and observance of human rights at all times,” Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said in a statement.
Muslims For Human Rights (Muhuri) expressed concerns about the blatant violations of human rights during the protests.
The lobby group blamed the law enforcers after 50 pupils were teargassed while in a classroom at Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi.
“We hold the Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei personally responsible for this egregious act,” Muhuri said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had warned that those who participated in violent demonstrations will be arrested and prosecuted.