Civic Freedoms Forum and other civil society groups including Okoa Uchumi, National Integrity Alliance and the Police Reforms Working Group held a press conference to air their concerns and condemn the recent acts of police brutality and the total disregard of the Constitution in the recent demonstrations.
The last few months Kenyans have witnessed waves of protests by various groups, including civil society organizations, general public, public service vehicle operators, taxi drivers, a section of civil servants and political opposition, as an expression of anger over the soaring cost of living, controversial tax hikes contained in the Finance Act, and mandatory retesting for all PSV drivers. Most of these groups spilled into the streets to exercise the freedom of assembly and right to protest with hopes that the state agencies responsible would listen to the plights. Unfortunately, these groups have been met with brutal force by the security agencies resulting in serious injuries, extra-judicial execution, and forced disappearances.