The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an Independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the KNCHR Act, 2011. The Commission’s mandate is the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Kenya.
The Commission calls for the upholding of Human Rights and the strict adherence to the rule of law during the planned demonstrations tomorrow, Wednesday 25th June 2025. The KNCHR reminds all players that they have rights and responsibilities. Demonstrators have right to demonstrate and commensurate responsibility to do it peacefully and unarmed. The Business Community have rights to earn a livelihood without interference anywhere they desire in the Republic. The Police have a right to undertake their duties without interference or provocation and a duty to operate within the law and as per their Service Standing Orders. We wish to note that a fourth group previously observed on the streets commonly referred to as ‘hired goons’ is operating outside the law.
The Commission calls on the police and other security agencies to conduct themselvesimpartially, professionally and observe the Constitutional Standards and Principles of Human Rights as required of them by Article 244 of the Constitution. The police must isolate the criminal elements who may infiltrate peaceful demonstrations. The use of force by security officers should be a last resort and must be necessary and proportionate.
The Commission further calls on the police to comply with the High Court ruling that requires all security officers assigned to handle demonstrations to be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times. This applies to individual security officers and vehicles.
The Commission shall continue to discharge its Constitutional duty of monitoring the Protection of the Rights of all. The KNCHR calls upon all parties to exercise their rights in a manner that respects the rights of others including private and public property. The Commission further calls upon anyone with information and Human Rights concerns relating to the demonstrations to share it through-: SMS-22359, Email-
complaint@knchr.org and Toll Free Line 0800 720 627.
Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati!
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, PhD
Vice Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).