Nairobi, 19 July 2023, 1 pm: With para-military police officers and armoured water cannon trucks already patrolling and engaging protestors across several towns and neighbourhoods, Amnesty International Kenya reminds the Government of Kenya and the Police leadership that they are legally bound by the UN Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, the constitutional right to Assembly and National Police Service Act among other laws and regulations.
Police Officers must only use tear gas and lethal force where necessary to prevent further physical harm and advance warning. The use of lethal force and teargas must be proportional to the seriousness of the offence and only be used to minimise the risk of harm to other persons. This role cannot be lawfully transferred to civilians or supporters of the political parties.
Violent and unlawful policing accelerates the likelihood of further violence, injury, destruction of property and loss of life seen over the last three months and documented by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other human rights agencies.
Signed
Irungu Houghton
Executive Director
Amnesty International Kenya
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