ICJ Kenya condemns police violence after KMPDU Sec-Gen injured in protests

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in Kenya has condemned the Thursday incident outside the Ministry of Health headquarters where police officers opened fire on protestors decrying delays in posting medical interns, resulting in injuries to Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah.

In a statement, ICJ Kenya Chairman Protas Saende labeled the incident a grave violation of fundamental human rights, noting that the protestors were met with unjustifiable violence, contradicting Kenya's commitment to uphold democratic rights.

"ICJ Kenya strongly condemns the use of unlawful force by the National Police Service and expresses deep concern over the violation of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and International Human Rights Instruments.

"Peaceful assemblies play a vital role in a democratic society, allowing citizens to express their grievances, advocate for their rights, and engage in public discourse. It is the state’s responsibility to ensure that these rights are protected and that individuals can exercise their freedoms without any fear."

ICJ Kenya subsequently urges the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take immediate action and investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

"Law enforcement agencies must be trained in the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights to ensure the protection of citizens during assemblies," said Saende. 

"We call on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that the officers are prosecuted to the full extent of the law and, if need be invoke the principle of Command Responsibility.

ICJ Kenya likewise called for a public apology from Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki and Police IG Japhet Koome, further demanding a commitment from the officials to ensure that those responsible for the violent actions face appropriate consequences for their actions.