The British High Commission in Nairobi has raised concerns over the increased cases of police brutality in Kenya.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, the British High Commission said it was disturbed by the violence by police officers on unarmed civilians and protestors.
The Embassy noted that police officers have the responsibility to earn and maintain the trust of the public they are meant to serve and protect.
“Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect. We are deeply disturbed by violence against unarmed civilians & protestors yesterday,” read part of the statement.
The British High Commission also called for transparent investigations into the actions of police brutality.
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Further, the High Commission wished a quick recovery to protestors who were injured during protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday.
“We urge a swift, independent, and transparent investigation into the actions of the police. We send our best wishes for the swift recovery of those injured during yesterday’s violence,” the British High Commission added.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 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.
Among the victims was 22-year-old hawker Boniface Kariuki, 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.
Kariuki was taken to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he remains hospitalized.
The Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, in a press briefing on Tuesday night, said Kariuki was undergoing emergency surgery.
“The patient was received here at around 4 PM; he was promptly evaluated by the emergency team, the necessary first aid was thereafter administered, and the necessary tests conducted,” he stated.
Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, has also confirmed that his son is hospitalized in KNH following the shooting incident.
“The young man who was shot in Nairobi CBD is my son. I have brought him up with a lot of challenges, and what happened has really saddened me. He is not in a bad situation, and we are praying, hoping that he will be okay," he said.
