KHRC Releases Emergency Contacts to Help Protestors During Ongoing Demonstrations
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has released special emergency phone numbers to support protestors taking part in the ongoing demonstrations across the country.
The protests began on Thursday, June 12, with hundreds of young people marching through the streets to demand justice. The situation has been tense, with reports of confrontations between the police and demonstrators.
In a public message shared on their platforms, KHRC urged all protestors to keep the emergency numbers close at hand, especially in case they are arrested or find themselves in danger during the protests. The commission made it clear that the numbers are meant to help anyone in urgent need of legal or medical assistance.
“During today’s protest and many more to come, please call these numbers if security officers arrest you or in case of an emergency,” KHRC said in a statement.
The demonstrations have been sparked by the recent death of popular blogger Albert Ojwang. Protestors are demanding justice for his death and are calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, whom they hold responsible for police brutality.
As the protestors made their way through key parts of Nairobi—including City Hall, Moi Avenue, Harambee Avenue, Jeevanjee Gardens, and the Parliament buildings—they carried placards, waved Kenyan flags, and sang the national anthem. Their chants echoed the call for Eliud Lagat to step down from office.
Despite police officers using tear gas in an attempt to scatter the crowd in the Central Business District, the protestors stood their ground. Many continued marching and chanting slogans even after the tear gas was fired.
One powerful placard read, “You cannot kill us and lead us,” reflecting the anger and frustration many young Kenyans feel towards the current leadership and police actions.
Footage shared online by Kenyans.co.ke showed a few vehicles being set on fire during the protests. However, emergency services were later able to put out the fires. Burning tyres were also seen blocking some roads, causing disruptions in traffic and daily business.
For safety, many business owners in the affected areas chose to shut down their shops and offices temporarily. The protests have caused a major disruption to normal city activities.
In an effort to support those involved in the demonstrations, several human rights and legal organisations have come together to provide help.
The emergency contacts shared include phone numbers from the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International, Defenders Coalition, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Civics Freedom Forum, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and KHRC itself.
These groups are working together to offer a range of services, including:
- Legal aid for those arrested
- Medical assistance for the injured
- Rapid response services in emergency situations
The organisations have pledged to stand in solidarity with protestors and protect their rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Their involvement shows a strong commitment to upholding human rights even in times of unrest.
KHRC and its partner organisations have urged all participants in the demonstrations to remain peaceful and stay safe while continuing to fight for justice. Protestors are also being advised to record and report any incidents of abuse or illegal action by security officers during the protests.
The release of these emergency contacts is seen as a strong step toward protecting citizens and ensuring that their voices are heard without fear of violence or oppression.
As the protests continue, many Kenyans are hoping that their demands will be addressed and that those responsible for injustices will be held accountable.
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