The National Council of Churches Lower Eastern Region has condemned rising cases of extrajudicial killings and police brutality.
It said the heightened cases of abductions and forced disappearances have caused anxiety and, in some cases, deaths.
“The recent gruesome murder of Albert Ojwang’ is a case in point. We strongly condemn these actions by the state security agencies,” said Chairman Major Leonard Kasyoka on Friday.
He condemned the brutal crackdown on demonstrators, saying it is a breach of their democratic rights.
“Even more alarming is the alleged recruitment and deployment of goons to brutalise demonstrators, terrorise businesses, loot shops and intimidate citizens,” Kasyoka said.
The constitution gives Kenyans a wide range of rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to life, equality, freedom from discrimination, freedom of expression and freedom of movement.
NCCK also condemned the Kenya National Police Service for collaborating with goons.
“How can a security agency set up to protect Kenyans turn against them and protect their attackers?” Kasyoka asked.
The chairman called for immediate and thorough investigations into all killings, abductions and disappearances.
All police officers, state operatives and non-state actors found to have participated in or ordered unlawful killings and the excessive use of force should be prosecuted, Kasyoka said.
He called for urgent police reforms, including vetting, retraining and demilitarisation of crowd control strategies.
“Further, Ipoa should demonstrate impartiality in the execution of its duties,” Kasyoka said.
The religious outfit also condemned robbery and vandalism of businesses in towns and villages.
Kasyoka said NCCK is committed to helping mitigate the impacts of sand harvesting and climate change in the region.
“These include scaling up conservation agriculture, afforestation and youth empowerment programmes to nurture wholesome societies,” he said.
The chairman called for a total ban on illegal sand harvesting, urging communities to adopt alternative, eco-friendly building materials and livelihood options.
“We further discourage charcoal burning and encourage adoption of clean energy sources such as biogas, briquettes and solar solutions,” he said.
