Oversight Authority condemns excessive force on ‘pig’ protestors

By CYRUS OMBATI

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has condemned excessive use of force by the police on activists during a protest outside Parliament on Tuesday.

The oversight body says there is clear lack of understanding of the law by police on handling such a situation.

“We have video and pictures of innocent and defenseless members of the public being assaulted by police. It is clear to us that there is lack of understanding by police of their constitutional responsibilities,” the authority’s board said in a letter to Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo.

The authority said it would investigate the events and an opportunity given to the officers responsible to explain their actions.

IPOA expressed concern with the manner in which police conducted themselves during the protests over MPs’ demand for higher pay and reminded police to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.

Ipoa also wants police to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms, train staff to the highest possible standards of competence and integrity and to respect human rights and dignity.

The authority said Article 37 affords every person the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions to public authorities.

Peaceful protestors

“As long as members of public are peaceful, unarmed and are lawfully exercising their constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, we see no reason why police should interfere with them. Instead, their obligation should be to provide security,” the letter said.

The letter was copied to the Director of Public Prosecution and the National Police Service Commission.

However, Kimaiyo has defended his officers, saying the use of force was necessary. He said the protest was lawless and violated animals’ rights.