Judicial Council condemns police brutality, demands action on protest gangs
NCAJ, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, expressed deep concern over reports of organised groups inciting violence, looting and destroying property during recent anti-government protests.
The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has called for urgent action to dismantle criminal gangs infiltrating peaceful demonstrations in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NCAJ, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, expressed deep concern over reports of organised groups inciting violence, looting and destroying property during recent anti-government protests.
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The demonstrations are being led primarily by Kenyan youth who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to express frustration over the ruling government's shortcomings.
The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations, turned chaotic in several towns, prompting violent police crackdowns that left dozens dead, hundreds injured and scores arrested.
The most recent protests, on July 7, saw approximately 38 Kenyans killed according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), with the majority of them dying from gunshot wounds inflicted by police.
"The police, as the first point of contact, should work with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and dignity of women, children and other vulnerable groups during periods of unrest," said Koome.
"The Council notes the grave concern about the existence of criminal gangs at the local level. The police must dismantle these infrastructures of violence through intelligence-led operations and community-based interventions."
NCAJ also called for enhanced cooperation between the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the National Police Service (NPS), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other oversight bodies to ensure effective and accountable law enforcement.
In response to growing public dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza government, NCAJ, likewise, urged the ruling regime to strengthen engagement with the youth, describing them as "untapped natural resources."
"Engagement with them (youth) must be strengthened to respond swiftly to their concerns, including enabling employment opportunities."
Further, NCAJ demanded the immediate activation and proper resourcing of the Victim Compensation Fund by the National Treasury to facilitate compensation for victims of police brutality, violence, and wrongful arrests.
The Council also stressed the importance of protecting civic spaces, asserting that Kenyans have the right to peaceful assembly and that human rights defenders and civil society organisations must be free from harassment and criminalisation.
"A safe civic space is essential to constitutional democracy," said the Council.
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