“The decision by the Office of the Inspector General to investigate possible violations by police is a welcomed first step toward holding accountable those who used improper force.”
This statement was originally published on freedomhouse.org on 18 May 2016.
Following reports of police brutality this week against demonstrators protesting the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Freedom House issued the following statement:
“Freedom House condemns the use of excessive force by Kenyan police against protestors exercising their constitutional right to freedom of assembly and expression during a demonstration against the IEBC,” said Vukasin Petrovic, director for Africa programs. “The decision by the Office of the Inspector General to investigate possible violations by police is a welcomed first step toward holding accountable those who used improper force.”
Background:
Kenya’s leading opposition party, Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, has organized weekly protests demanding the resignation of IEBC commissioners. The electoral body’s credibility has been undermined by allegations of graft during procurement of electoral equipment for the 2013 presidential elections.
Kenya is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2016</em>, Partly Free in Freedom of the Press 2016, and Free in Freedom on the Net 2015.
