KHRC slams police for inaction over attack on mothers’ briefing ahead of Saba Saba
KHRC said the assailants broke through the perimeter wall of its Gitanga Road premises, violently disrupted the event, roughed up attendees, and made away with valuable electronics, including phones and a laptop.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has raised alarm over police inaction following a violent attack at its offices last Sunday, where a group of unidentified individuals disrupted a press briefing by mothers of victims of police brutality.
In a statement, KHRC said the assailants broke through the perimeter wall of its Gitanga Road premises, violently disrupted the event, roughed up attendees, and made away with valuable electronics, including phones and a laptop. The attack was captured on CCTV, and the footage has since been shared with authorities.
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Despite this evidence, KHRC said police have failed to take any visible action, even as they continue arresting suspects linked to the destruction of property during the recent Saba Saba protests.
“While the police have been hunting down and arresting goons who raided and damaged properties during the Saba Saba protests, they are silent on our case,” the commission said.
The press conference was organised by mothers of victims of police killings, who had gathered to condemn ongoing arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings targeting peaceful protestors.
“State-sponsored militia attacked two journalists and stole a laptop and phones during a press conference by Kenyan mothers condemning arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings,” the lobby said.
KHRC said the CCTV clips show clear images of the attackers’ faces and has appealed to the public to help identify the suspects.
“This CCTV footage clearly shows individuals who took the items. We urge you to help identify their names,” it said, adding: “The DCI must act on this evidence, arrest and arraign the perpetrators and ensure immediate return of the stolen devices.”
The organisation said the attack has raised concerns about possible state involvement or protection of the goons, especially given the silence by authorities days after the incident.
“We need your assistance in identifying these individuals. They were the ones who attacked people at the KHRC office yesterday during a press conference held by Kenyan mothers,” the statement reads.
The attack and the lack of response from security agencies have drawn worry among human rights organisations, with fears growing that defenders and their work are increasingly being targeted.
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