The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has condemned the recent instances of alleged police brutality against protesters and the inappropriate use of horses during the Finance Bill, 2024 protests.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Dr Kelvin Osore, the organization’s National Chairman, noted that they are dedicated to ensuring the welfare of animals, promoting of humane and ethical treatment of all beings, and safeguarding public health, we find these actions deeply troubling and unacceptable.
“The deployment of horses in crowd control measures, particularly against peaceful protesters, is both unethical and inhumane. Horses are sensitive and sentient beings that can experience stress, fear, and injury in chaotic and violent situations,” Osore added.
He further argues that deploying horses in environments filled with flying projectiles, noises, bangs, and large crowds goes against all animal welfare protections.
“Using these animals in such a manner not only places them in harm way but also increases the risk of injury to the public and the animals themselves,” he said.
Additionally, he reported that the scenes of the police mounted on horses clamping down on unarmed protesters seeking justice and exercising their powers protected by the constitution are deeply hurtful stating that the state already has a monopoly of arms- weaponizing unwilling animals to display dominance over its citizens should be condemned by all.
“Police on horseback not only place these animals in harm’s way but also serve as a painful reminder of the dark era in our nation when colonialists unleashed dogs against our forefathers in their fight for independence,” Osore said.
He said that it is their firm belief that animals should not be used as tools of aggression and intimidation.
The chairman also said that the organisation condemns the deplorable alleged abductions of Kenyans saying such actions undermine the principles of democracy and human rights enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
“The right to peaceful assembly and expression are fundamental freedoms that must be respected and protected. Our country has gotten where we are now through protests, picketing, other forms of demonstrations, and yes, resistance against unfair governance,” he said.
He urged the government to respect all essential freedoms, endowed to Kenyans by our birthright and protected by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
“Every government’s main function is the protection of its citizens. Unleashing state terror against unarmed protesters not only goes against this tenet but also destroys any pretence of democracy,” he said.
He said that KVA remains committed to advocating for the welfare and protection of all animals, and public health, calling upon the government, law enforcement agencies, and the general public to uphold the highest standards of animal welfare and to reject practices that compromise the well-being of animals and humans alike.
“We demand for the release of those abducted and illegally held and urge the government to cease targeting professionals such as medical doctors and lawyers among others who are providing humanitarian aid to victims of the chaos,” he added.
