IJM raises concern over secret police squad during Azimio protests

According to Shamala, in the earlier days of demonstrations, police officers exhibited restraint in dealing with protesters but recently, Kenyans have witnessed instances of unjustified use of force against innocent civilians including harassment of journalists, shootings, and teargassing of school going children.

"Of greater concern is the introduction of a secret police squad, barely six months since the President's disbandment of a similar unit accused of extra judicial killings and enforced disappearances," Shamala said adding, "We have noticed that the response to the demonstrations has been partly marked by plain clothed armed officers, using pistols and unmarked police cars."

Shamala's remarks come after Azimio leader Raila Odinga accused the State of sponsoring a trained illegal killer squad to harm opposition leaders as well as their supporters.

Raila also claimed the government is using a gang dubbed Operation Support Unit (OSU) that is disguised as police officers to use excessive force during demonstrations.

And IJM in the statement said police officers must be reminded that they take personal responsibility in court for their use of force, and as such should be careful to act within the stipulations of the law.

"For the above reasons, IJM calls for immediate de-escalation in the use of force in responding to demonstrations, particularly the application of the principles of necessity and proportionality by police," said Shamala.

He said police officers must desist from killings, maiming and harassment of Kenyans in line with Schedule VI of the NPS Act including ensuring medical assistance for anyone injured and reporting any deaths and serious injuries to IPOA for investigations.

"IJM calls for the immediate removal of clandestine police squads from enforcing response to demonstrations, restraint and respect of property by protesters in exercising their constitutional right and investigations by IPOA into killings and serious injuries that have occurred during the demonstration," he said.

Shanala said although IJM has separately reached out to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and other stakeholders, the current situation provides unprecedented times for both police and the nation.