Stop use of excessive force-lobbyists tell police

From right Sisters for Justice Centre Executive Director Ms Naila Abdalla centre Haki Afrika rapid response officer Mathias Shipeta and Pwani Social Justice Centre chairperson Simon Kazungu photo by Peter Kombe

BY PETER KOMBE

A section of activists attached to a social justice lobby group operating within the Coast region have expressed accusing the police on claims of using excessive force while on duty.

The activists were reacting to Monday’s conflict between the police and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology students some were brutalized and arrested during a peaceful demonstration to address their concern.

In a video that went viral on social media on Monday, police officers are seen attacking peaceful JKUAT students and tear gassing them.

In a joint statement at Haki Africa offices on Tuesday, Pwani Social Justice Centre Working Group chairperson Simon Kazungu called on the police to focus on investigating the cause of the killings in the area.

He also wants the culprits to face the wrath of the law.

The lobbyists are accusing the police on claims of infringing them on their right to demonstrate and picket as stipulated in article 37 of the constitution.

“The student’s voices should not be silenced by those in authority especially on matters touching on their security,” he noted.

The activist further point out that the action taken by police tantamount to silencing their voices.

The lobby’s Secretary General Mathias Shipeta who also doubles as Haki Africa rapid response officer accused the police on claims of using excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations.

He further urged the university students throughout the country to maintain sobriety even when provoked by police.

Shipeta said “Why should the police harass peaceful demonstrators. This is their constitutional right as Kenyans,”

The activist says it is clear that the students were addressing their concerns following the death of their colleagues.

Uhaki na Usawa Social Justice Centre executive director Salim Suleiman wants interior cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i to take action.

The human rights defender pointed that police deprive Kenyans on their constitutional rights.

“The Cabinet secretary in charge of interior Dr Fred Matiang’i should take action on this. We want justice prevail here,” he said.

He says it is ironical to see the police after having gone through a thorough training become the first people to break the law.

Sisters for Justice executive director Naila Abdalla asked the police to exercise professionalism while on duty.

“The demonstration was aimed at addressing their concerns. This an act that as activists we cannot put up with,” she noted.

The university has been closed indefinitely following students unrest on Monday.

   

The students took to the streets to protest the rise of insecurity around the institution.