The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that at least 22 people sustained injuries during Tuesday’s anti-government protests in various parts of the country, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
In a statement, the commission disclosed that one of the victims was the hawker who was shot at close range by police in Nairobi’s CBD.
"The Commission has recorded twenty-two (22) casualties, including the shooting, by police, of a peaceful civilian who was shot at close range in Nairobi CBD and is currently (as at 1900hrs) in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital," the statement said.
Other injuries reported include gunshot wounds, head cuts, whip lashes, blunt trauma, and asthma attacks due to tear gas exposure.
KNCHR also condemned the arrest of protestors, including four human rights defenders in Mombasa, stating that the demonstrations were peaceful and lawfully notified.
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"The Commission condemns the arrest of protestors, including four Human Rights Defenders in Mombasa, despite being peaceful and having duly notified the police in line with the law. The commission calls for immediate and unconditional release of the protestors," the statement continued.
KNCHR also condemned the deployment of masked, violent hired goons who roamed Nairobi’s streets on motorbikes, assaulting civilians.
"A key highlight in today's protests in Nairobi was the massive deployment of masked hired goons in motorbikes who patrolled the streets as they brutalized the protestors and innocent Wananchi with tyre whips, wooden bars, and other crude weapons. The Commission witnessed hordes of thugs viciously attack and rob protestors and other civilians in the streets of Nairobi," the statement added.
Additionally, KNCHR criticized police conduct during the protests, describing it as unprofessional and dangerous.
"This is unacceptable conduct by the police who are required to discharge their duties professionally and provide security for all persons in Kenya without favour or bias.
"The conduct of the police not only takes Kenya back to the dark past but is a sure recipe for creating anarchy in the Country. Many businesses in Nairobi closed down due to massive looting and vandalism by the marauding gangs," the statement further read.
KNCHR further pointed out that many officers violated a court order by concealing their identities during operations.
"Most of the police officers concealed their vehicle registration numbers and faces with masks and hoods in contravention of a High Court ruling last year that requires all police officers assigned to handle protests to be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times.
"When those charged with maintaining law and order break the law with such impunity, they encourage citizens to disobey the law," the statement concluded.
