The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has strongly condemned the use of excessive force by security agencies during recent anti-government protests in Kenya. Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia emphasized that the right to life and peaceful assembly must be respected by all actors, whether state or non-state.
Dr. Kobia acknowledged that while some officers have been reported to aid injured protesters, there have also been alarming cases of brutality and human rights violations. “All actors, whether state or non-state, must uphold the right to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly always,” he stated.
He further urged political, religious, and civic leaders to refrain from manipulating the frustrations of the youth for personal or political gain. “The demonstrations by Gen Z were not meant to destroy; it is only when the infiltrators came in that things started going wrong,” Kobia said, noting that young people were expressing genuine concerns and should not be criminalized for voicing their grievances.
The protests, largely led by Kenya’s Gen Z, have seen thousands take to the streets in recent weeks to demand government accountability and transparency. However, the demonstrations have been marred by reports of police brutality, including arbitrary arrests, abductions, sexual violence, and destruction of property.
Civil society groups, including the National Integrity Alliance (NIA), have joined in condemning the state’s response. In a strongly-worded statement issued in early July, NIA described the situation as a “crisis of leadership and integrity” within security agencies. They called for structural reforms in the National Police Service and demanded the resignation of senior security officials.
“Acts of violence carried out under the guise of law enforcement reflect a failure to uphold constitutional values and ensure accountability,” NIA said.
The alliance also criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for defending the police actions without addressing the public’s concerns. NIA called for his resignation and a formal apology to the Kenyan people.
As the national conversation around justice and accountability continues, NCIC and other stakeholders have called for constructive dialogue to address the root causes of public unrest.
