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Finance Bill protests: 21 groups demand release of over 210 arrested in CBD

Protestors run as police officers use teargas to disperse them during a protest against Kenya's proposed Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 18, 2024. (Reuters)

By Mary Wambui | Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The organisations accused the police of acting in blatant disregard to the legal provisions of the right to protest.

21 civil society groups have expressed concern over the arrest of 210 members of their staff, protesters and journalists during the ongoing Occupy Parliament protests in Nairobi.

Under their umbrella body, the Police Reforms Working Group, the organisations said they are deeply alarmed and outraged by the use of excessive force, intimidation of civilians, and violation of privacy through searches and arbitrary arrests, terming them an outright infringement of the constitutional rights of the people of Kenya.

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Protestors along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. They are protesting against the proposed Finance Bill. (Hafsa Hassan, EV)

The organisations accused the police of acting in blatant disregard to the legal provisions of the right to protest.

"We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters and observers. We call on the National Police Service to uphold their duty to protect and respect the rights of Kenyan citizens to assemble peacefully. The use of excessive force and intimidation must cease immediately," they said.

Police arrest protestors along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. They are protesting against the proposed Finance Bill. (Hafsa Hassan, EV)

The organisations are documenting the events happening with a view of seeking legal action for redress.

"We stand in solidarity with all those who bravery exercised their right to protest and call on all Kenyans to join us in demanding accountability and respect for our constitutional rights. We reiterate our commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans. The Police Reforms Working Group is documenting the situation closely, providing direct support to those affected and already exploring legal action for redress," they said.

The members include; IMLU, KHRC, IJM-Kenya, Amnesty International-Kenya, Social Justice Centres Working Group, Haki Africa, Transparency International-Kenya, ICJ-Kenya, and Fida-Kenya, among others.