Coast rights groups urge police accountability, constitutionalism during Saba Saba commemoration

Civil society organisations at the Coast have called for urgent action to address alleged human rights violations, urging the government to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure accountability for cases of police brutality, enforced disappearances and unlawful killings witnessed during recent public demonstrations.

The appeal was made on Tuesday during Saba Saba commemorations in Mombasa, where members of the Coast Civil Society Network on Human Rights joined residents, youth groups and community representatives in a march from Mapembeni to Treasury Square to mark the anniversary of Kenya's pro-democracy movement.

The network said the annual commemoration should serve not only as a remembrance of those who fought for the country's return to multiparty democracy in 1990, but also as a reminder that the struggle for justice, accountability and protection of fundamental freedoms remains unfinished.

In a joint statement, the organisations said recent incidents involving peaceful demonstrations had raised concerns over the protection of constitutional rights, citing reports of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and deaths.

"Over the past months, Kenyans in different parts of the country have witnessed disturbing incidents of excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, injuries and loss of life," the statement said.

The organisations argued that such incidents undermine public confidence in State institutions and weaken democratic gains achieved through decades of struggle. They called for policing that prioritises the protection of life, respect for human dignity and adherence to the rule of law.

The network also paid tribute to young people who have continued to participate in civic action, saying their involvement reflects a commitment to defending constitutional values through peaceful means.

The statement expressed concern over the reported discontinuation of compensation for victims of enforced disappearances, saying the move could undermine the search for truth and justice by affected families.

"We are deeply concerned by the decision to discontinue compensation for victims of enforced disappearances. Such a move sends a troubling message to victims, survivors and families still searching for truth and justice," the organisations said.

The coalition maintained that justice should go beyond financial compensation and include independent investigations, prosecution of those responsible, institutional reforms and safeguards to prevent future violations.

Among its recommendations, the network urged the government to protect the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, association and expression, while calling on the Inspector General of Police to ensure officers comply with the Constitution and apply restraint during public demonstrations.

The organisations further urged the National Police Service (NPS) to uphold professionalism, respect the rights of demonstrators, journalists, medics and human rights defenders, and avoid unlawful use of force.

They also appealed to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct prompt and transparent investigations into allegations of police misconduct, while asking the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to prosecute those found responsible without political interference.

The Judiciary was urged to continue safeguarding constitutional rights through timely and impartial justice, while Parliament was asked to strengthen oversight of the security sector and support reforms aimed at preventing future human rights violations.

The civil society groups concluded by urging Kenyans to continue pursuing justice through peaceful civic engagement, saying democracy is strengthened when citizens participate lawfully in public affairs while respecting the rule of law.