NO BALACLAVAS, ANONYMITY! Kenya Police Ordered To Display Identity During Protests
The High Court has issued orders directing the Inspector General of Police to ensure that officers do not conceal their identities or faces when participating in demonstrations.
The police have also been instructed to wear name tags, and their service number should be displayed as part of their uniform.
This comes after the Law Society of Kenya filed a certificate of urgency, alleging that the police and their agents have threatened the establishment of an accountable national police service.
“Pending hearing and determination of this Application and Petition, only uniformed police officers who are badged and clearly identifiable may be deployed for the sole purpose of assisting the protestors in expressing their rights guaranteed under Article 37,” reads court papers.
BREAKING NEWS: The high court has issued orders directing IG to ensure police do not hide their identity, or face when deployed in demonstrations.
— MAJIMAJI (@MajimajiKenya) August 14, 2024
They must also have name tags, and service numbers as part of their uniform.#GRNews #News #NiajeNiaje pic.twitter.com/VQRL8gbT8K
According to LSK president Faith Odhiambo, police officers who assault peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights must be held accountable.
During the pro-good governance protests that erupted across the country over the last two months, the LSK repeatedly condemned police brutality against protestors, including arrests and forced disappearances.
Since then, LSK has advocated for the unconditional release of all protestors in police custody.
“We have been trying to suggest they negotiate the bail and bond cash terms so that we ensure everyone is released,” Odhiambo said during a past press interview.
“Unfortunately, we have been subjected to violence and even one police officer wanted to hit me personally.”
According to the most recent data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 66 protestors went missing, and 60 people died during the protests.
NO BALACLAVAS, ANONYMITY! Kenya Police Ordered To Display Identity During Protests
