Raila Odinga Condemns Police Killings During Protests in Kenya
By Baraka Simba
In a strong rebuke against recent police actions, Raila Odinga, leader of the ODM party and a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, denounced the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters during recent demonstrations. Odinga’s remarks came shortly after a threat by his coalition with Kalonzo Musyoka to escalate the matter to the International Criminal Court.
“It is deeply unfortunate that in a democratic country like Kenya, police have been instructed to shoot and kill unarmed protesters,” Odinga stated emphatically.
“In civilian authority worldwide, police are entrusted with protecting lives and property, not taking them,” he added.
Odinga expressed disbelief at the events of the past week, questioning the narrative of “hired goons” allegedly responsible for the violence.
“We are being told that these were hired goons. Tell us who these goons are and who hired them,” Odinga demanded.
Critically, Odinga pointed out the deployment of military forces in civilian areas, arguing that it signifies a failure of the civilian authority to safeguard its citizens. He strongly criticized a recent court ruling allowing continued military presence within the country.
“The military’s role is to defend against external threats, not to patrol our streets. It is concerning that our own courts are endorsing this,” Odinga asserted.
Under the Kenyan constitution, citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and protest, a right which Odinga affirmed.
“The constitution grants peaceful demonstrators the right to picket whenever and wherever they wish. The use of lethal force by police against them is unwarranted and condemnable,” Odinga concluded.
The condemnation by Raila Odinga comes amid escalating tensions following recent protests marred by violence, raising significant concerns about human rights and governance in Kenya.
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