Azimio Party Leader Raila Odinga rallied behind Gen Zs even as he criticized the police for using excessive force when dealing with unarmed youthful protesters.
Raila on Saturday said he has seen police teargas peaceful protesters during their nationwide anti-government protests.
“Police should not use brutality against unarmed innocent people who are protesting for their rights,” Raila said.
“I stand in support of these young people and urge them not to surrender. Police brutality must end.”
He urged Gen Z to continue pushing for their agenda.
Raila encouraged the youthful protesters telling them that even in his political battles he has faced brutality.
“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 said.
He spoke during the burial of businessman Jimi Wanjigi’s father, Maina Wanjigi, in Nyeri on Friday.
Raila reiterated that Gen Zs have a constitutional right to hold protests.
The police were in June this year banned from using excessive force on peaceful protesters.
The High Court ruling in Malindi issued temporary orders preventing security agencies from using lethal and other less-lethal ammunition against peaceful protesters.
This included the use of water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets during protests.
High Court Judge Justice Thande emphasised that violence against peaceful protesters is prohibited.
However, police went on to defy the court order on Wednesday and used excessive force on the peaceful protesters.
As of July 1, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that at least 39 people had died.
KNCHR said 361 persons were injured in the nationwide protests.
The commission also reported 32 cases of enforced disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protestors.
The Commission said the data was recorded from June 18 to July 1, 2024.
KNCHR said the deceased victims were from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3) Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4) Kakamega (1) Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) and Nandi (1).
