The High Court has made it crystal clear that Kenya’s top cop, IG Douglas Kanja, and anyone who comes after him, will be held personally accountable if cops go rogue during peaceful protests.
The decision follows a petition tied to last year’s doctors’ strike.
During doctors’ strike the police were accused of roughing up union boss Dr. Davji Atellah.
According to Nation, Justice Jairus Ngaah wasn’t holding back, stating that the IG Douglas Kanja l is now on the hook for any unconstitutional actions by their officers, especially when they use unnecessary force against peaceful gatherings.
The Doctor Drama That Sparked It All
It all started during the doctors’ strike in April 2024. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) took to the streets to demand better working conditions.
But things went south when police allegedly assaulted Dr. Atellah, the union’s Secretary-General.
To add fuel to the fire, then-Inspector-General Japhet Koome stepped in, trying to call off the strike.
Justice Ngaah wasn’t having it, declaring Koome’s move unconstitutional and accusing him of stepping on workers’ rights to assemble and strike.
Koome Hit Where It Hurts: His Wallet
In a bold move, the court didn’t stop at pointing fingers.
It ordered Koome to personally foot the bill for the case.
The message? If you mess up, you pay up – literally.
This ruling isn’t just a slap on the wrist. It’s a game-changer.
The judiciary is sending a loud and clear message: cops and their bosses must respect citizens’ rights.
If they don’t, they’ll face the music.
Justice Ngaah also called out the police leadership for failing to rein in officers who cross the line.
It’s no longer enough to say, “I didn’t know.” If your officers go overboard, the buck stops with you.
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What’s Next for IG Douglas Kanja and Co.?
For IG Douglas Kanja , who’s now at the helm, this ruling is a wake-up call.
Peaceful protests are protected under Kenya’s Constitution, and any violations could land IG Douglas Kanja in hot water.
It’s not just about maintaining law and order anymore – it’s about respecting rights and playing by the book.
Netizens and rights groups are celebrating this as a win for democracy.
For years, Kenya’s police force has faced criticism for its heavy-handed tactics during protests.
Now, there’s a solid deterrent: personal accountability.
This ruling is also a nod to the judiciary’s role in defending constitutional freedoms.
Abductions in Kenya
Lately, Kenya has been dealing with a worrying rise in abductions, leaving many people feeling uneasy about their safety.
These cases often involve people being taken against their will, with no word on where they’ve gone, causing a lot of fear and confusion.
In 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported over 80 cases of people going missing since June, many linked to anti-government protests.
In one instance, four social media users disappeared after sharing AI-generated images of President William Ruto, sparking concerns about freedom of expression.
Kenya Government Response to Abductions
The government’s handling of these abductions has drawn criticism.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International have accused the police of being behind many of these disappearances, though the police deny it.
The United Nations Human Rights Council, of which Kenya is a member, has also raised concerns about these actions.
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