Azimio Party Leader Raila Odinga has voiced strong support for Generation Z demonstrators while condemning the use of excessive force by police in handling peaceful protests across Kenya.
Speaking at the burial of businessman Jimi Wanjigi's father, Maina Wanjigi, in Nyeri, Raila criticized the police for deploying tear gas against unarmed protesters advocating for their rights.
"Police should not use brutality against unarmed innocent people who are protesting for their rights," Raila emphasized. "I stand in support of these young people and urge them not to surrender. Police brutality must end."
Raila, drawing from his own political experiences, encouraged the youth to persevere despite facing adversity. "Tell them to add more teargas. Tell them you will not surrender no matter what they do. Tell them you will stand your ground," he urged.
Highlighting constitutional rights, Raila reiterated that Gen Z has every right to protest peacefully.
His remarks come in the wake of a High Court ruling in Malindi prohibiting security forces from using lethal and less-lethal ammunition on demonstrators.
Despite this ruling, reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights indicate significant casualties and violations during recent protests, revealing ongoing challenges in upholding human rights amidst civil unrest.