Watch: New Footage Shows Kenyan Police Beating Political Protesters
Police cracked down Monday on protestors railing against Kenya's election oversight body.
Kenyans don’t go to the polls for a national election until next year. Opposition protesters are already taking to the streets, however, and so are the police, who are willing to use force to send them home.
On Monday, thousands of protesters in Nairobi and other cities took part in the third consecutive week of rallies demanding that the country do away with its Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, or IEBC, which oversees elections. Despite its name, critics say the body is actually biased in favor of the ruling government.
The rallies devolved into chaos as police fired tear gas and chased protesters through streets and alleys, beating them and kicking them with clubs. Some protesters were seen carrying rocks to throw.
Kenyans don’t go to the polls for a national election until next year. Opposition protesters are already taking to the streets, however, and so are the police, who are willing to use force to send them home.
On Monday, thousands of protesters in Nairobi and other cities took part in the third consecutive week of rallies demanding that the country do away with its Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, or IEBC, which oversees elections. Despite its name, critics say the body is actually biased in favor of the ruling government.
The rallies devolved into chaos as police fired tear gas and chased protesters through streets and alleys, beating them and kicking them with clubs. Some protesters were seen carrying rocks to throw.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga tweeted his support for the protests, which he said were peaceful, and said they would continue until the IEBC saw reform.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration hasn’t taken kindly to the opposition’s calls to action. “They have been disturbing our peace, injuring policemen, we cannot allow that to happen,” Interior Minister Joseph Nkaiserrey said, as reported by Nairobi News.
Footage posted online shows protesters dancing, chanting, and holding signs that read “thieves cannot manage elections” and “thieves must go.” Other videos show police kicking protestors who are already lying in the street and beating people as they flee.
Kenya has a history of violent election disputes. In 2007, ethnic fighting broke out, leaving 1,200 dead, after Odinga protested his loss because of allegations of fraud. Odinga again challenged the 2013 results, but accepted a court ruling against his case.
Watch footage from the protests here:
Photo credit: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
