The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights (CCSNH) has condemned illegal arrests of peaceful demonstrators in Mombasa County.
Activists in Mombasa after release of anti-government Protestors
CCSNH Chairperson Zedekiah Adika said peaceful demonstrators are always being arrested and harassed by police officers in Mombasa during demonstrations.
Adika is now urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in the county to review cases brought before the courts in a bid to ensure only substantial evidence is presented so as to reduce the burden of cumbersome judicial processes and resource wastage.
“And after being taken to the court the cases are dismissed for lack of tangible evidence,” Said Adika.
Speaking after the acquittal of 14 individuals by the Mombasa law court who were arrested during anti-government protests led by opposition leader Raila Odinga last year due to insufficient evidence, Adika commended the court’s decision emphasizing the need for the ODPP to adopt a more selective approach to charges brought to court arguing that overburdening the judicial system with cases lacking strong evidence not only wastes court time but also subjects individuals to undue stress and legal costs.
At the same time, the lobby groups criticized police actions alleging that they interfered with the process of demonstrations despite the right to peaceful protest being enshrined in the Constitution.
MUHURI Rapid Response officer Francis Auma condemned police officers for excessive force during protests by subjecting peaceful demonstrators to tear gas and unlawful arrests.
Samuel Ombala, one of the 14 demonstrators acquitted by Mombasa law courts called on police officers in Mombasa County to exercise decorum instead of harassing peaceful demonstrators.
