Fact Check: "Police collaborated with armed criminal gangs during the protests in Kenya."
What We Know
Recent protests in Kenya have led to significant violence and unrest, resulting in at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries. The protests, which marked the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy rallies, were met with heavy police presence and aggressive tactics. According to reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), police were accused of collaborating with armed criminal gangs during these protests. The KNCHR noted that police operated in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles, working alongside these gangs in various locations, including Nairobi and other regions like Kajiado and Nakuru (source-2).
Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that these armed groups were involved in violent confrontations with protesters, further complicating the situation. The police have historically denied such allegations, but the KNCHR provided evidence of this collaboration, stating that it has been a recurring issue during recent protests (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that police collaborated with armed criminal gangs during the protests in Kenya is supported by multiple credible sources. The KNCHR, a reputable human rights watchdog, has documented instances of police misconduct and excessive force during these protests. Their report explicitly states that police were seen working with armed gangs, which undermines the police's narrative of maintaining order (source-2).
The reliability of the KNCHR as a source is bolstered by its established role in monitoring human rights in Kenya, although it is essential to note that the police have consistently refuted these claims. The involvement of armed gangs in protests is not new in Kenya; previous reports have indicated that such groups are often politically motivated and may receive backing from political figures (source-6). This context adds a layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting that the collaboration may be part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent.
Critically, while there are reports from various outlets corroborating the KNCHR's findings, the police's denial of these accusations raises questions about the transparency and accountability of law enforcement in Kenya (source-4). The involvement of armed gangs alongside police complicates the narrative of a straightforward protest response, indicating a potential collusion that could exacerbate violence and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Conclusion
The claim that police collaborated with armed criminal gangs during the protests in Kenya is True. Evidence from the KNCHR and corroborating reports from multiple news sources indicate a troubling pattern of police involvement with criminal elements during these protests. This collaboration not only raises serious concerns about police conduct but also highlights the challenges faced by citizens seeking to express their grievances peacefully.
Sources
- Kenya anti-government protests leave 11 dead and dozens ...
- At least 11 dead in Kenya protests as central Nairobi ...
- Ten die for Kenya as protesters close down central Nairobi
- At least 10 dead in Kenya during protests after heavy police ...
- 10 dead, dozens arrested in more anti-government protests in ...
- Return of politically-backed gangs - People Daily
- At least 10 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya during ...
- At least 11 dead in Kenya protests as central Nairobi ...
