In Summary
- More than 400 protesters were arrested.
- According to CSRG police undermined Public Order Act.
Civil Society Reference Group is now condemning excessive force used by police to quell down anti-budget demonstrators in the Nairobi Central Business District.
Addressing the media Civil Society Reference Group president David Caleb Otieno says the officers acted unprofessionally and they must be held accountable.
He avers that actions by the police undermined Public Order Act provisions and that the said officers must face the law.
“Article 37 of our Constitution allow us to participate in peaceful protest and even serve a petition.It was wrong for police to use violence on harmless demonstrators and this is totally unacceptable and as CSRG we are calling for legal action against the individual officers who took part in this.’’Otieno told the media.
The protest saw over 200 demonstrators arrested and scores injured including 2 police officers.
‘‘Every police officer has a right to disobey any unlawful order…that’s what the Public Order Management act says.So those who practically got some instruction somewhere and used them against the demonstrators must take personal responsibility.’’ he added.
Those arrested are expected to be arraigned in Court today.
Police Injury
Meanwhile the government has released a report on police officers who were injured by teargas explosion.
According to the report one officerDavid Maina, detonated a tear gas canister and delayed to release it thereby exploding in his hands.
He is currently recuperating at Nairobi west Hospital.
‘‘Please be informed that today while engaging rioters who were protesting against finance bill 2024 within cbd(,)no: 2011340680/243736 CI David Maina of rdu(,) detonated a tear gas canister and delayed to release thereby exploding in his hands. as a result his two hands were severely injured from the wrist losing both forearms and no: 105516 pc(w) Mildred Amoit Elisha of Embakasi police station,Tassia police post who was near him sustained minor injuries on the chest. they were both rushed to Nairobi West Hospital whereby CI David Daina was admitted and taken to theater while the other officer is still under observation in the same facility(.) progress report to follow.’’ The report reads.
