A human rights lobby group, Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) has called out the Inspector General of Police over his remarks claiming he has banned the ongoing Azimio One Kenya coalition demonstrations, terming the move ridiculous and a mockery to Kenyans and the country’s Supreme law.
Through a statement, Muhuri said the IG is not constitutionally mandated to ban demonstrations which are allowed by the law under article 37.
“Who are you to abolish the rights of Kenyans? A quick reminder to IG Koome to read the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Articles 37 and 244 which expressly list out the place of demonstrations and the roles of the police respectively,” Muhuri stated.
The human rights body also condemned the IG’s move to have security detail of opposition leaders who support the ongoing protests withdrawn.
Muhuri stated that it is the right of every Kenyan to get security and protection from the police.
“We are seriously disturbed by the character of the IG who has taken sides in a matter of national and public interest and a matter as critical as security,” it stated.
Koome is clearly a captain in the ranks of the Kenya Kwanza political divide. This regime has repeatedly said that Kenya is a company and they (Kenya Kwanza faction) are the shareholders,” Muhuri added.
Earlier yesterday, Koome had issued a stern warning to any citizen with the intention of using offensive weapons to cause havoc in the city during the Azimio anti-government protests.
He said that he will show no favor in carrying out his mandate as a law-abiding citizen and that he will not hesitate to arrest anyone caught causing chaos.
“We have heard others say that they will bring violence in Nairobi tomorrow. Nothing of the sort will happen because the police are ready to ensure there’s peace in the country. Anyone armed with offensive weapons will be arrested,” Koome noted.
The human rights organisation also castigated the IG for defending a police officer who allegedly killed a Maseno University student instead of condemning the act.
The organisation asked other human right groups such as the IPOA to respond to the IG’s irresponsible utterances and called on Kenyans to refrain from violence if they hold demonstrations.
