Senate Directs IG Douglas Kanja To Issue Apology For Deaths During Peaceful Protests

The Kenyan Senate has instructed Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to apologize to Kenyans for the deaths resulting from peaceful protests earlier in 2024.

The Senate made this demand as part of a motion they passed on July 24, addressing national concerns that arose during the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protests.

Key Points from the Senate Motion

Responsibility of Police: Senate Speaker Amason Kingi emphasized that the National Police Service (NPS) should take responsibility for the deaths and injuries and issue a formal apology.
Senate’s Demand: The Senate’s resolution specifically requires the NPS to acknowledge the deaths and extend a public apology to affected families and citizens.

ALSO READ: UDA party to replace Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy Party Leader.

Background on Protests and Police Actions

Anti-Finance Bill Protests: Protests erupted across Kenya in June 2024, opposing the Finance Bill. These protests were largely peaceful but led to significant violence from the police.
Human Rights Reports: Various human rights organizations reported over 50 deaths and multiple injuries during the protests, with notable casualties in Kware and Mukuru kwa Njenga.
Police Scrutiny: Both Kenyan and international media outlets highlighted police actions, with footage showing officers allegedly firing on peaceful demonstrators. This has led to global criticism of Kenyan police tactics.

Rights and Protections for Protesters

Constitutional Right to Protest: Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful assembly, including demonstrations, picketing, and submitting petitions.
Senate’s Call for Policy Reform:
The Senate urged the police to revise and improve their standard operating procedures for handling protests.
They mandated that the NPS submit these updated guidelines to Parliament, covering protocols on protest management, demonstrations, and appropriate use of force.

ALSO READ: Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah Criticizes Judiciary for “Judicial Activism”

Presidential Response and Accountability

President William Ruto’s Statement: In response to public outrage, President Ruto vowed to address incidents involving “rogue officers.” He encouraged citizens to report incidents to his office and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Commitment to Justice: Ruto stated that any officers involved in unlawful actions against protestors would be held accountable.

Additional Senate Demands

Compensation for Victims: The Senate called for compensation to be given to victims of police brutality during peaceful protests from 2023 to 2024.
Amnesty for Detained Protesters: The Senate requested that amnesty be extended to individuals who were unlawfully detained during these protests, acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful assembly.

ALSO READ: How a Kenyan Mastermind Scammed the Government Ksh1.6 Billion from His Home

Conclusion

The Senate’s resolution emphasizes the importance of transparency, responsibility, and respect for citizens’ rights in Kenya.

The demand for revised procedures, accountability for abuses, and compensation for affected families highlights an effort to prevent future violence against peaceful protestors.

Sources: