Kenya police accused of killing at least 33 people post August 8 election

Two rights organizations have accused Kenya police of killing over 30 protesters, possibly as many as 50

According to a joint report released by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International on Sunday evening, police also injured hundreds more in response to the protests called by the opposition.

Africanews spoke to the Kenya police spokesperson, Charles Owino, who disputed the findings.

“What I can say is that it is not true that Kenya police have killed 33 people from elections to date including protesters. What we expect is that if they are saying that police killed 33 people, they should publish the names of the 33 people and tell the circumstances under which they have died.”

The 37-page report documents excessive use of force by police, and in some cases other security agents, against protesters and residents in some of Nairobi’s opposition strongholds after the August 8 election.

Kenya’s constitution allows for picketing but authorities issued a ban last week on protests in central Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu cities citing lawlessness.

“The same constitution is very clear on limitations of rights that as you enjoy your rights and fundamental freedoms, you don’t prejudice the rights and fundamental freedoms of others…As a security agency we have a responsibility to protect each and every persons life and property,“Owino added.

Prior Human Rights Watch research documented 12 killings during protests in western Kenya.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga who withdrew from the presidential election re-run scheduled for October 26 has urged his supporters to continue with daily protests to demand electoral reforms.