The Kenyan government has announced plans to establish a Coroner General’s Office to investigate deaths related to police action, as it seeks to balance public safety concerns with the right to peaceful protest. The move comes amid escalating tensions between law enforcement and demonstrators over the country’s economic policies.
In a statement released Tuesday, Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration outlined new measures aimed at enhancing police accountability while maintaining public order. The announcement follows a series of protests that have turned violent, resulting in loss of life and property damage.
“The sanctity of human life as guaranteed by Article 26 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the security of property is not negotiable,” the ministry declared, acknowledging the tragic escalation of what began as “an expression of divergent opinion over the financial vision for the country.”
The government’s response includes a recommendation to President William Ruto to establish a Coroner General’s Office, as mandated by the National Coroners Service Act 2017. This office would be tasked with investigating deaths, including those resulting from police action, to ensure accountability and transparency in cases of suspicious deaths.
While emphasizing the need for police restraint, the ministry also defended the use of “reasonable force” in specific scenarios. “Section 49 of the Police Service Act allows the security officers to use force only when it is necessary and to the extent required in the execution of their duties,” the statement read, citing instances of rioting, looting, and disruption of critical infrastructure as justifications for such measures.
The ministry highlighted the role of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in investigating allegations of police misconduct. “IPOA is already conducting independent investigations into several allegations of alleged police misconduct, killings and reported enforced disappearances,” the statement confirmed.
In response to the ongoing unrest, the government has established a National Multi Agency Command to coordinate security operations. Additional security personnel have been deployed to hotspots and areas with critical infrastructure.
The ministry also addressed concerns about arrests made during protests, stating that all detentions are subject to the Criminal Procedure Code. “Anyone aggrieved by police actions is welcome to seek redress through our established criminal justice system, including the courts,” the statement added.
To improve communication and adherence to the Public Order Act, the police will issue advisories on areas of deployment, official protest zones, and cordoned-off areas. The ministry urged protest organizers to notify the police of their intentions and locations of planned activities.
