Dear Sir/Madam,
The availability of cogent democratic structures constitutes fringes of a responsible democratic culture. These structures are cognizant of the freedoms of association and expression as is spelt out in the constitution.
The citizens have only to inform the law enforcers of their need to carry out a demonstration. The police do not constitutionally issue any license for such an activity as they have alleged ad infinitum; rather they are in fact constitutionally expected to provide security to the demonstrators. Granted, arrests can be made by the police if the demonstrators, in the course of the demonstration, pose a serious threat to the liberties of other citizens. This may include acts of vandalism, theft and cause of actual bodily harm to peaceful citizens. But even then, it is only those who actually participate in this infringement that must be arrested and prosecuted. None of the cases above have been quoted as reasons for their arrest and detention.
It would thus be preposterous if the arrest and detention of the human rights activists is in any way remotely connected with breach of a nebulous ministerial directive on noise pollution. This would be a diabolical conspiratory act of thuggery being perpetrated by the forces of sadism.
To say that the public is dismayed by the flagrant lack of respect for the liberties of individual citizens would be an understatement. Furthermore, the inhuman treatment that those arrested are ostensibly being subjected to while in police custody is a clear testament to the blatant mockery of democratic values. Yet none can claim that this is indeed not typical of our police “force” that is presently ranting about reforms in its rank and file! Bastardized affront to decency, civility and internationally accepted norms is what our police force is better known for.
The coalition Government must know that the criminal acts of the police force are continually giving them (Government) a bad name. Their continued silence to this infringement can only imply that they are abetting or they are accomplices in these acts of impunity. Is the Government out to evenly cover the FPE muck?
It must be made abundantly clear to the Coalition Government that democracy and development can not blossom in such an environment.
I wish to appeal to legislators and the general public, that as lovers of social justice, peace, democracy and development, we must condemn in the strongest terms possible this uncivilized act of the police. We must demand for speedy, free and fair trial of those who have shown the courage to sacrifice for the sake of the millions of poor Kenyan children.
We must say no to frivolous litigations. If the police are found to have infringed on the liberties of those in their custody then the full force of the law must be meted against them.
TOME FRANCIS,
BUMULA CONSTITUENCY.
http://twitter.com/tomefrancis
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