The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has told the police to exercise restraint and only use reasonable and necessary force when dealing with demonstrators.
The Commission’s chairperson Roseline Odede said the opposition has the right to protest in reference to Article 37 of the Constitution.
“The constitution guarantees the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, and law enforcement officers should not use excessive force to disrupt peaceful protests,” Ms Odede said in a statement.
She however also urged the opposition to use other mechanisms apart from the demonstration in seeking redress, adding that human rights also have limitations as stipulated in Article 24.
The office of the Inspector General of Police has banned the demonstrations, terming them unlawful.
The Commission has also urged the police boss to deal fairly with those arrested in the protests.
KNCHR has also urged Kenyans to remain peaceful even as they demonstrate.
Top state leaders, among them President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua have been on the frontline dismissing the Raila Odinga-led demonstrations terming them unlawful, destructive and a threat to the lives of the citizens.
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