In a landmark decision, the Federal High Court in Kenya has issued an order preventing the national police service from engaging in extrajudicial killings, abductions, harassment, and detentions of protesters opposing the Finance Bill, 2024. This ruling follows a petition by Saitabao Ole Kanchory, who sought legal protection for the demonstrators amid reports of severe police brutality.
Court Order Against Police Actions
On Friday, the Federal High Court intervened in response to rising concerns about the conduct of Kenya’s national police service during protests against the Finance Bill. The court explicitly barred the police from committing extrajudicial killings and other forms of mistreatment. The court order stated:
“That pending inter partes hearing and determination of this application, the first and second respondents be and are hereby prohibited from committing any extrajudicial killings. The first and second respondents be and are hereby prohibited from arrests, abductions, detentions, harassment, intimidation, torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of persons protesting against the Finance Bill, 2024.”
Petition Against Key Government Figures
Saitabao Ole Kanchory’s petition targeted several high-profile officials, including the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, and Attorney General Justin Muturi. The legal action was prompted by a surge in violent police responses to the protests.
Background of the Protests
The Finance Bill, which proposes new taxes on essential items such as cars, phones, bread, and sanitary pads, has sparked widespread protests across Kenya. Since the demonstrations began over a week ago, police actions have resulted in the deaths of approximately 25 protesters, the abduction of over 50 individuals, and injuries to hundreds more.
Government Response to the Protests
Following a particularly violent clash on Tuesday, President William Ruto addressed the nation, condemning the protests as a “treasonous event.” In a subsequent move to suppress the demonstrations, Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Bare Duale deployed the Kenyan Defence Forces to support police efforts in controlling the situation.
International and Human Rights Reactions
Amnesty International has strongly criticized the Kenyan government’s handling of the protests, accusing President Ruto of inciting violence and deploying snipers against demonstrators.
The organization has called for President Ruto to be tried at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, citing the high number of casualties and severe injuries resulting from the police crackdown.
Bottom Line
The Federal High Court’s decision to restrain the Kenyan police from violent actions against Finance Bill protesters marks a significant step towards protecting civil liberties in the country.
However, the broader implications of the protests, the government’s response, and the international community’s reaction remain critical issues to watch as the situation unfolds.
