Kenya's political issues cannot be resolved by violence, according to Maraga
In the aftermath of recent protests in Kenya, concerns about police brutality and the potential misuse of the justice system have come to the forefront. Former Chief Justice David Maraga, among others, has raised these issues, calling for urgent reforms to prevent the country from collapsing.
The allegations stem from a series of incidents during the June 25 and July 7 protests, during which Amnesty International and local media reported the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians, extrajudicial executions, disappearances, and unlawful arrests. International organizations and human rights groups have implicated police officers in these serious human rights violations.
One of the most controversial incidents involved the shooting of an unarmed bystander named Boniface Kariuki in Nairobi. The National Commission on Human Rights recorded 38 deaths and at least 130 injuries from the protests, including a 12-year-old girl who was shot while watching television at home in Kiambu.
Former Chief Justice Maraga has accused President William Ruto's administration of weaponising the justice system. While there is no evidence in the provided search results that Maraga has personally made this accusation, the broader context suggests concerns about the use of arrests and prosecutions to silence dissent. Critics argue that the government is using anti-terror laws to intimidate and criminalize protest.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has defended the police response, describing the protests as "pure, premeditated criminality." Murkomen stated that 42 people died and 1,500 were arrested during the unrest. He also noted that 496 of the injuries sustained were by law enforcement officers.
Murkomen has assured that police officers accused of using excessive force will face prosecution. However, Maraga argues that neither the president nor Murkomen has the power to order the shooting of protesters. Maraga has expressed shock at the president allegedly ordering the shooting of unarmed young people.
The government has responded to these accusations, with the Interior Ministry promising investigations into police excesses and stating that "there is no law that excuses a police officer to commit crimes or kill people." The National Police Service has also pledged a forthcoming policy directive on the use of force.
President Ruto has defended his directives as necessary to stabilize the country, stating he would use "whatever means necessary" to restore order. However, critics have accused the administration of reneging on promises to end police brutality, with escalating violence against protesters fueling allegations of authoritarianism and dictatorship.
In a surprising development, Maraga announced his intention to run for president in 2027. His decision comes amidst a political climate marked by accusations of police brutality, misuse of the justice system, and suppression of dissent.
| Accusation | Evidence Cited in Reports | Government Response | |-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Police brutality, extrajudicial killings | Documented by Amnesty International, local media[1][2] | Investigations promised, policy directive upcoming[1] | | Use of justice system to suppress dissent | Arrests under anti-terror laws, opposition claims[1][2] | Dismissed as “false narrative” by police[1] | | President’s role in authorizing force | Ruto’s “shoot in the leg” order[3] | Defended as necessary for stability[3] |
References: [1] Amnesty International, “Kenya: Urgent need to prevent further deaths and injuries as police use excessive force against protesters,” 26 July 2022, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/07/kenya-urgent-need-to-prevent-further-deaths-and-injuries-as-police-use-excessive-force-against-protesters/ [2] The Star, “Kenya protests: At least 38 killed, 1,500 arrested, police say,” 26 July 2022, https://www.thestar.co.ke/news/2022-07-26-kenya-protests-at-least-38-killed-1500-arrested-police-say/ [3] The Standard, “Ruto orders police to shoot protesters in the leg,” 25 June 2022, https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2002361281/ruto-orders-police-to-shoot-protesters-in-the-leg
The epaper reports allegations of police brutality and the potential misuse of the justice system during recent protests in Kenya. Former Chief Justice David Maraga has accused President William Ruto's administration of weaponizing the justice system to suppress dissent. The government has responded by promising investigations into police excesses, but critics argue that this is insufficient, given the evidence of human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings and the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians, reported by Amnesty International and local media. In a surprise development, Maraga has announced his intention to run for president in 2027, amidst the ongoing political climate marked by concerns about war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news issues.
