Nairobi, 25 January 2024: Amnesty International Kenya expresses its deep concern at the repeated use of armed police officers and teargas to disrupt legitimate protests by the citizens under the umbrella of Kenyans 4 Palestine. The National Police Service were duly notified as per the law, the demonstrators lawfully assembled and peaceful.
After storming and teargassing unarmed protestors, at least four people have been arrested. The march was called for Kenyans protesting the German Government’s support for the Israeli operation in the Gaza. Ironically, the demand for an end to the bombing of civilians, denial of essential services and respect for the two-state solution were also expressed publicly as Government of Kenya policy by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary Foreign and Diaspora Affairs last weekend.
Amnesty International Kenya reminds the Government of Kenya and the National Police Service that the freedom to protest and right to assembly are guaranteed by our constitution. Our laws require citizens’ views to deserve the same level of respect as officers of the state. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested.
Amnesty International officers and lawyers are currently following up at Kileleshwa Police Station.
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