Kenya's Police Accused of Excessive Force in Recent Protests

Following a series of protests in Kenya that resulted in significant violence, the country’s police oversight authority has released a report blaming officers for using disproportionate force, leading to numerous deaths and injuries.

Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has charged the nation's police with employing "disproportionate force" during violent protests that culminated in the deaths of at least 65 individuals. In a report published Thursday, Ipoa delineated how the majority of these fatalities are attributed to police actions, while simultaneously highlighting that a group of "goons" infiltrated these demonstrations, diluting the message of peaceful protest.

Over a span of six weeks, four notable protests unfolded across various regions in Kenya, primarily ignited by discontent regarding police violence and government policies. The first occurred in Nairobi on June 12, initially deemed "largely peaceful," sparked by concerns surrounding the death of Albert Ojwang, a young teacher and blogger, while in police custody under controversial circumstances. Following public outrage, three police officers have since faced charges related to his death.

Violence escalated in subsequent marches; a second protest on June 17 led to the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor, with an officer now facing charges for his death. The protests further intensified on June 23, marking a year since prior anti-government demonstrations, resulting in the reported deaths of 23 more individuals nationwide. The most violent confrontation occurred on July 7, claiming 41 lives.

The Ipoa report also documented a staggering total of 342 civilian injuries and 171 police injuries across the protest days, coupled with rampant looting and vandalism of businesses and government properties. Observers noted considerable violations of constitutional policing principles, particularly the use of excessive force and a pronounced lack of professionalism from law enforcement.

In response to the Ipoa findings, a police spokesperson sidestepped direct commentary, instead directing inquiries to a statement from the Interior Ministry, which categorized the unrest as a result of "criminal" activities and "anarchists." President William Ruto's directive after the July 7 protests included a controversial order for police to shoot protesters in the legs as a means to incapacitate them, raising further concerns over human rights violations.

As tensions continue to simmer, rights groups have voiced strong condemnation against the government's handling of protests, accusing authorities of endorsing a severe crackdown on dissenting voices. The situation remains fluid as the country grapples with its ongoing unrest.