Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has warned against giving police authority to shoot to kill or maim during protests, urging the government to prioritise arrests and due process instead of militarised policing.
Odinga noted that police using excessive force against citizens, even when they are suspected of breaking the law, violates the rule of law and risks escalating violence in the country. "We must at all times opt for the rule of law and due process and reject the temptation to give police illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens," said Odinga.
He explained that everyone remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law, noting that the state should prioritise arrest and arraignment over killing or brutalising suspects. "This preserves the dignity and respects the human rights of suspects while at the same time confers credibility to the actions of the state," noted Odinga.
His remarks come days after President William Ruto directed security agencies to firmly deal with individuals looting and vandalising businesses during protests.
