Fresh allegations of police surveillance have been raised by Kenya’s civil society. More than 100 human rights organisations and activists gathered at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi on Monday.
A formal complaint was lodged over claims that officials from the Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) had been followed and intimidated. The groups say the incidents have created fear among staff and raised concerns about civic space in Kenya.
Allegations Were Made
According to the organisations, TISA Executive Director Diana Gichengo and other officials have been subjected to surveillance in recent days.
It was alleged that armed men, believed by the complainants to be police officers, attempted to gain access to TISA’s offices. The groups also claimed that unmarked Subaru vehicles have continued to trail TISA officials.
“At least 13 suspected police officers in four Subaru vehicles tried to access TISA offices,” said former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara described the allegations as worrying.
“TISA is the latest civil society organisation to be attacked, and the trend continues to worsen by the day,” he said.
Investigation Was Demanded
The organisations have called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to order an independent investigation into the allegations.
They also want those responsible to be identified if any wrongdoing is established. Questions were also raised over the reported use of unmarked vehicles.
“If the government is doing the right thing, why is it hiding in unmarked vehicles, and why are police officers hiding their faces against the law?” former Chief Justice David Maraga said.
Siasa Place Executive Director Nerima Wako called for an official account of the vehicles allegedly used.
“We demand that the DCI and the Inspector General of Police officially account for the fleet of Subaru vehicles used on July 2,” she said.
Concerns Were Expressed
The allegations come weeks after a public forum on the national budget at All Saints Cathedral was disrupted by individuals whom organisers described as goons.
Rights groups argue that intimidation has increasingly been directed at organisations critical of public policy and government spending.
“This is not law enforcement. It is organised state terror to silence civil society groups,” Odhiambo said.
Maraga added: “We cannot allow this to continue. It is their new tactic after using goons to silence politicians and civilians.”
The allegations have been presented by the petitioning organisations.
At the time of publication, no official response from the National Police Service addressing the specific claims had been included in the report.
Any investigation is expected to determine the facts surrounding the allegations.
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