The National Council of Churches of Kenya has called on security agencies not to use excessive force when dealing with Monday’s Saba Saba protests and urged wananchi to demonstrate peacefully.
In a statement signed by Chairman Rev. Elias Agola, the Council stated that using excessive force on demonstrators denies Kenyans’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The NCCK called out the forceful dispersal of peaceful protests by police, despite there being lawful notification being provided as required by the Public Order Act.
“The violent breakup of peaceful protests despite the police being notified as per the law is a clear abuse of power,” the statement read.
The council pointed to the recent killing of peaceful protestors by police, adding that no investigations or prosecutions have been made.
“There have been no subsequent inquiries or prosecutions of the culpable officers. We are deeply perturbed by the growing trend where the state is blatantly, violently, and illegally denying Kenyans the right to enjoy the right to picket,” the council stated.
The council also condemned the infiltration of armed goons which turns peaceful demonstrations to chaotic destruction of properties.
“These goons act with such freedom and brutality that one can only assume they are being protected or facilitated by rogue elements within the police,” NCCK added.
The council also faulted the Interior Cabinet Secretary’s directive on shoot-to-kill terming it unconstitutional and dangerous.
“We are especially alarmed by a documented instance in which a Cabinet Secretary ordered police to shoot dead young people who approach police stations,” the statement added.
The clergy also faulted the proposal by a Member of Parliament seeking to amend the Public Order Act to bar picketing within 100 meters of government buildings, including Parliament and State House, terming the proposed amendment as undemocratic and an affront to free expression.
“These are the very public offices where citizens need to picket to present their views and concerns,” NCCK added.
