Kenya Human Rights Commission has accused the police of
dragging its feet in hunting for goons, who violently broke into its premises
last Sunday.
The goons scuttled a press conference by mothers of victims
of police brutality.
KHRC says this is despite it ramping up pressure to hold the
attackers accountable by sharing CCTV footage, showing faces of the youths.
The goons breached the perimeter wall of the commission's
Gitanga road offices and violently manhandled the poor mothers and journalists,
taking away valuable electronics.
While the police have been hunting down and arresting goons
who raided and damaged properties during the Saba Saba protests, they are
silent on KHRC's case.
The mothers had called for a press conference to add their
voice to police brutality meted on unarmed peaceful protestors during demonstrations
and afterwards.
“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 says.
“This CCTV footage clearly shows individuals who took the
items. We urge you to help identify their names.”
The organisation also shared snippets of CCTV camera footage
that caught the action of the goons.
“The DCI must act on this evidence, arrest and arraign the
perpetrators and ensure immediate return of the stolen devices.We need your
assistance in identifying these individuals. They were part of a state-hired
militia that attacked people at the KHRC office yesterday during a press
conference held by Kenyan mothers,” the lobby said.
The attack on the KHRC offices and police inaction has
raised concern among human rights activists, signalling that the goons could
have been acting at the direction of or enjoying the protection of the
government.
Under the auspices of police reform working group, the
lobbies, including Defenders Coalition, recently complained that there is
increasing targeting of human rights defenders in the country for harassment,
trumped up charges, brutality and surveillance.
Their concerns were heightened after activists John Nzau,
also known as Garang, Mark Amiani, also known as Generali and Francis Mwangi
also known as Chebukati were arrested
and charged.
“We note with concern that the working environment for
frontline human rights defenders and civil society in Kenya continues to
deteriorate. Threats including surveillance, assault, arbitrary arrest, illegal
detention and criminalisation are on the rise,” they said.
Instant analysis
The attack on KHRC’s premises signals a dangerous erosion of
democratic space in Kenya, where state actors appear increasingly willing to
use intimidation tactics against human rights advocates. Without urgent police
accountability and transparent investigations, trust in justice institutions
will continue to decline, fueling further unrest and grievances.
