By Faith Nyabuto
Various leaders have condemned the excessive use of force by police during the recent Saba Saba protests, which claimed as many as thirty lives.
During the protests on Monday, peaceful demonstrators were met with live bullets and brutal beatings across the country.
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On Wednesday , law enforces were rebuked for failing to uphold their constitutional mandate to protect lives.
The officers, some dressed in plain clothes were rebuked for firing aimlessly into crowds, escalating tensions and undermining public trust.
“There’s a glaring trust deficit in governance, and that’s what pushed Gen Z to the streets,” said Development Economist Sheila Olang’.
“Security officers must protect citizens exercising their constitutional rights—not treat them as enemies.”
Olang’ emphasized the need for police to wear clearly marked uniforms and display service numbers, in line with High Court directives.
“Those who behave above the law must be held accountable,” she added, warning that impunity erodes public confidence and sets a dangerous precedent.
Lawyer Kidi Mwaga echoed these concerns, calling out the continued use of unmarked vehicles by National Police Service (NPS) officers despite court orders.
“There’s a systemic deployment of violence by the state,” he said.
“It’s time Kenyans stood up for their rights and demanded change.”
Tigania West MP Dr. John Mutunga condemned criminal elements who exploit protests to loot and destroy property, urging the government to restore law and order through constitutional means.
“We must convene a supreme people’s convention to reclaim our democratic space,” he said.
Government Analyst Ahmed Hashi condemned the National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers for intimidating citizens who speak out against authoritarianism.
“We must not lose our reason or allow the state to think for us,” he said.
“Ethnicity should never be weaponized against transformation.”
The leaders also called for urgent economic reforms, including job creation for unemployed youth and improved service delivery in key sectors.
They stressed that honoring court warrants and respecting human rights are non-negotiable pillars of a functioning democracy.
