We, the undersigned, in exercising the full mandate of our members as Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) are shocked and dismayed by the brutal arrest of a number of Kenyans who this morning were lawfully protesting against the draconian Security Law (Amendment) Bill 2014.

We have established that a number of them are being held at Central Police Station, Nairobi, amongst a score of other police stations in the city. At least the following eight (8): Gacheke Gachihi, Francis Sakwa, Kenneth Kirimi, Wilfred Olal , John Koome, Okello Odhiambo, Denis Okoth, Denis Olema are to face charges of taking part in an unlawful assembly and incitement to violence which are only too familiar charges in a militarising democracy like we have become.

We condemn this state harassment and state our demands:

i. That all those arrested on such frivolous charges be acquitted forthwith.
ii. Despite constitutional guarantee against torture and inhumane treatment of Kenyan citizens, a number of those arrested were seriously injured during the arrest. We thereby call for provision of immediate medical attention to those affected.

This comes a day after the arbitrary deregistration of over 500 NGOs (forget about the pending job losses) demonstrating the length to which this government is willing to go in emasculating the freedoms and rights on Kenyan Citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The forceful attempt to pass the unpopular Security Law (Amendment) Bill 2014 must be read as part of this scheme.

Nairobi, 18th December 2014.

SIGNED
National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders-Kenya
Rights Promotion and Protection Centre