CORD condemns use of excessive force by police in demos

Kenya: CORD condemns use of excessive force by police in response to demonstrations; says conflicts can be resolved without intervention of security forces

Raila Odinga in a statement on Wednesday denounced the State for always using excessive force to solve conflicts leading to loss of lives, injuries and trauma.

The CORD leader quoted the latest incidents in Langata Road Primary School and Narok demonstrations where two people died and several others injured.

“Under no circumstances should our citizens resort to violence against police or use genuine complaints as excuse for vandalism and looting. There should also be no excuse for police to use excessive force against peaceful protesters or for throwing protesters in jail for lawfully exercising their constitutional right to expression, assembly and protest,” Read the statement in part.

“We are calling for higher standards from the State, consistent with the requirement that ours be a reforming and progressive police service,” the statement