‘Kenya is turning into police state’ – ODM
By Joel Sang, July 21, 2023Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has raised another concern, claiming that Kenya is fast turning into a police state.
ODM and the police service have been on a collision course for several weeks now since the opposition started their weekly protests against the government.
The Orange party was reacting to a video clip showing the police manhandling journalists at the Milimani Courts, where Babu Owino had been processed as a suspect for conspiring to commit subversive activities.
ODM sounds warning
“Kenya is fast being turned into a police state where even the freedom of the press is being suppressed by overzealous police officers who have firm instructions to beat anyone on sight, including media personnel,” ODM said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Nairobi City politician Alinur Mohamed, in a sarcastic comment, joined those condemning the police for how they handled the press people.
“I have seen video clips of Police officers beating journalists like Burukenge for covering Babu Owino’s bail ruling at Milimani Law Courts.
“I assume these journalists were demonstrating, looting people’s property, blocking the road, and burning tyres. I congratulate the police for the good work they are doing to ensure we have peace in our country.
“Azimio should know that elections are over and allow President William Ruto to do his work. No Kenyan has complained about the high cost of living, high fuel prices, or the Finance Bill, so Raila Odinga should stop disturbing the Kenya Kwanza administration with his Maandamano,” the 2022 Kamukunji Member of Parliament aspirant said in a statement.
Police condemned
This is not the first time the police and media personnel have clashed during the Azimio demonstrations. Indeed, the Media Council of Kenya has condemned various acts by police, including teargassing journalists on duty.
The watchdog also put the police on notice for impersonating the press, arguing that this puts the lives of journalists at risk.