Rights group seeks to join suit targeting police officers who conceal identity during operations
The petition challenges the practice of officers hiding their identities during routine patrols and failing to wear official uniforms while carrying firearms.
A human rights organisation has moved to join a legal suit aimed at addressing the issue of police officers concealing their identities during security operations.
The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) filed an application on May 6 to join an ongoing petition filed by activist Khelef Khalifa and the Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri).
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The petition challenges the practice of officers hiding their identities during routine patrols and failing to wear official uniforms while carrying firearms.
In its application, IMLU argues that the case touches on critical human rights issues and that its involvement will bring unique insights, especially in understanding the impact of police officers operating without visible identification.
The organisation has been at the forefront of pushing for police reforms in Kenya, including through its role in convening the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya, a platform that advocates for rights-based policing practices.
According to the application, IMLU has documented numerous cases of police abuse and misconduct, particularly during protests, where the lack of identification has led to unlawful conduct by officers.
The group claims that without the ability to identify officers during such operations, members of the public face increased risks of torture, mistreatment, and violation of their constitutional rights.
“The first intended interested party (IMLU) has also documented patterns of torture and police excesses, especially during protests,” the application states.
IMLU emphasises that its participation in the case is vital, as failure to include them would result in a significant loss of opportunity to present its unique perspective on the matter.
At the heart of the petition are allegations made by Khelef and Muhuri that the actions of police officers, particularly those who do not wear uniforms, fail to display name tags or force numbers, or use unmarked vehicles, violate the constitutional standards of policing and breach the Bill of Rights.
They are seeking a court ruling to declare that arrests made by such officers are unconstitutional and should be considered invalid.
The petition is scheduled to be heard again on June 10, with hopes of securing a ruling that would hold police officers accountable for their actions during security operations.
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