Raila supports Gen Zs, condemns police for excessive force

Azimio Party Leader Raila Odinga rallied behind Gen Z while criticizing the police for using excessive force on unarmed youthful protesters.

On Saturday, Raila condemned the use of teargas on peaceful protesters during the nationwide anti-government demonstrations.

"Police should not use brutality against unarmed innocent people who are protesting for their rights," Raila stated. "I stand in support of these young people and urge them not to surrender. Police brutality must end."

He encouraged Gen Z to persist in their efforts, sharing that he too has faced brutality in his political battles. "Tell them to add more teargas. Tell them you will not surrender no matter what they do. Tell them you will stand your ground," he said.

Raila reiterated that Gen Z has a constitutional right to hold protests.

In June, a High Court ruling in Malindi banned police from using excessive force on peaceful protesters. The temporary orders prohibited security agencies from using lethal and less-lethal ammunition, including water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, against peaceful demonstrators. High Court Judge Justice Thande emphasized that violence against peaceful protesters is prohibited.

Despite the court order, police defied it on Wednesday, using excessive force on peaceful protesters. As of July 1, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 39 deaths and 361 injuries in the nationwide protests. The commission also reported 32 cases of enforced disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protesters, with the data recorded from June 18 to July 1, 2024.

The deceased victims were from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (1), Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), and Nandi (1).