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All political players have been urged to engage in constructive dialogue and to seek peaceful and amicable solutions to issues of concern.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) made the remarks yesterday as it called for peaceful and calm demonstrations and respect of other people’s property.

KNCHR chairperson, Roseline Odede said the Constitution recognises the importance of peaceful and orderly protests as a means of expressing grievances and seeking redress, adding that violent demonstrations and destruction of property are not only unlawful but also undermine the ideals demonstrations seek to promote.

“KNCHR calls on all Kenyans to refrain from any acts of violence and to respect the property of others,” said Odede in a statement yesterday.

Odede also urged the National Police Service (NPS) officers to respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of demonstrators as they carry out their duties.

“The Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, and law enforcement officers should not use excessive force to disrupt peaceful protests. The Commission calls on the security agents to exercise restraint and to use only reasonable and necessary force when dealing with demonstrators, she said.

Expressing grievances

While demonstrations can be an effective means of expressing grievances, she said they should not be the only means of seeking redress.

She said there are other mechanisms, like dialogue and engagement with relevant authorities, which can be used to address issues of concern.

“We must work together to ensure that Kenya remains a peaceful and stable nation, where the rule of law is respected, and the rights and freedoms of all individuals are protected and respected,” she stated.

KNCHR also called on NPS to provide security and protection to journalists covering the demonstrations in line with the Constitution as well as the civilians to uphold the rights of journalists.

The Commission also urged Kenyans to respect the right to own and acquire property and the rights of everyone involved in their respective income generating activities.

“The Commission calls on all citizens to respect the rights of others and refrain from causing harm and injury to innocent Kenyans and in particular media personnel and NPS officers,” said Odede.