By Lauryne Akoth
The Kenyan section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has condemned the incident that happened on 29th February 2024 that resulted in the injury of the KMPDU Secretary General, Dr Davji Attellah.
Attellah was shot by the anti-riot police outside the gates of the Ministry of Health during the peaceful demonstration of medical doctors, following the delayed hiring of medical interns.
In a statement issued by the ICJ chairman Protas Saende, The ICJ condemned the use of force by the police stating that it undermined the doctors’ democratic rights.
“ICJ Kenya strongly condemns the use of unlawful force by the National Police Service and expresses deep concern over the violation of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and International Human Rights Instruments,” read the statement in part.
” It is deeply disconcerting that the peaceful demonstration, aimed at highlighting the urgency of addressing challenges in the health sector was met with unlawful and disproportionate force.”
The ICJ chairman emphasized the importance of peaceful assemblies and called out security officials for using force on unarmed medical personnel. ” Peaceful assemblies play a vital role in a democratic society, allowing citizens to express their grievances, advocate for their rights, and engage in public discourse. It is the state’s responsibility to ensure that these rights are protected and that individuals can exercise their freedoms without fear of violence or reprisals.”
Saende urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take immediate action in investigating the use of excessive force by the police yesterday and to hold the responsible accountable.
He further stated, ” Law enforcement agencies must be trained in the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights to ensure the protection of citizens during assemblies. We call on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that the officers are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and if need be invoke the principle of Command Responsibility.”
The chair demanded an apology from the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Kithure Kindiki, and the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
“We demand a public apology from the cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, and The Inspector General of Police Of the National Police Service and a commitment to ensure the perpetrators of these actions will be held to account.” Read the statement.