29th February 2024, Nairobi: Amnesty International Kenya strongly condemns the reprehensible act of violence against Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah during a peaceful protest in Nairobi this afternoon. We express our deep concern over the use of force against Dr. Atellah and the medical interns he was leading, as they exercised their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The right to protest is enshrined in the constitution of Kenya, and it is the duty of the police to protect and facilitate the exercise of this fundamental right, rather than resorting to violence against peaceful demonstrators. We remind the police of their obligation to uphold human rights standards and to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals participating in lawful protests.
Amnesty International Kenya calls on the relevant authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into this shocking incident. We urge the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite its inquiry and ensure accountability for those responsible for the unjustifiable use of force against peaceful protesters.
Amnesty International stands in solidarity with the KMPDU, Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, and all those who advocate for the protection of human rights in Kenya. The safety of individuals engaging in peaceful protests must be guaranteed, and those responsible for violating these rights must be held accountable.
We call on the government of Kenya to take immediate action to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and respect for human rights.
For more information and interviews, contact Mathias T. Kinyoda on Mobile: +254723424802 | Email: [email protected]