Kenya’s President William Ruto has praised the police for ensuring peace during recent opposition protests.
However, a leading rights group has described the police reaction as “an act of terrorism”.
Local media have reported that six people died on Wednesday, July 19, in clashes with the police.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which is an NGO, said there was “a troubling pattern to show that [the] police’s actions and use of lethal force were premeditated”.
But Mr. Ruto characterized the response as the police protecting people and property.
“I congratulate the police for standing firm and for ensuring that peace prevails. They have also ensured that all criminals are dealt with,” Mr. Ruto said.
There is no official death toll but Amnesty International says that police have killed at least 30 people since March. This is the period when the anti-government protests began.
A member of a civil society network monitoring the police response to protesters in the western counties of Kisumu and Migori said that security forces seem to be “enforcing a shoot-to-kill order”.
The activist, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they have photographic evidence of people shot in the back with live ammunition.
“Last week on Wednesday, one police officer refused to follow the order to shoot at protesters. He was beaten up by his colleagues and was even hospitalized,” the person added.
The opposition has called a series of rallies against the introduction of new taxes. They are also lamenting the rising cost of living. Currently, the country is experiencing the second day of a three-day protest this week.
Local and international groups and foreign diplomats have expressed deep concerns over the situation in Kenya. They are urging both sides to seek a negotiated solution.
