ICJ Criticizes Use Of Excessive Force During The Azimio Demonstrations

The Kenyan chapter of the International Council of Jurist has issued a warning that the country is on a precipice that could reverse the constitutional advances made in the midst of the ongoing Azimio protests.

According to the International Criminal Court (ICJ), the police response to the rallies and counter-protests that took place on Monday was a vivid reminder of the police’s partisan approach during the 2007–2008 election cycle, which resulted in a violent confrontation.

It claimed that the perfect storm of police partisanship, ethnic profiling, threats against media outlets providing live coverage, journalist attacks by roaming goons, and hard-line political rhetoric was what caused the 2007–2008 mass deaths of people.

“As a body of jurists, we are worried that the protests are establishing a basis for continuous resistance to our constitutional and legal imperatives, violation, and derogation of the fundamental freedoms and rights enshrined in our Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” it stated on Wednesday.

The lobby’s council, which was presided over by Protus Saende, warned that it was time for politicians to take a step back from the edge and be calm while handling national issues without endangering the nation.

Also, it has urged the international community to keep an eye out for the use of excessive force by the police and attempts by the government to restrict the freedoms protected by international legal agreements.

The ICJ advised the opposition group to lower its rhetoric and create a convincing plan for resolving some of the issues it is bringing up. It should also urge peacekeeping from its supporters.