Cops Teargas CJ, Willy Mutunga Inside a Police Station

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga was on Saturday, July 8, teargassed at the Central Police Station as he pushed for the release of activists arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations.

Mutunga was in the company of Boniface Mwangi and other activists. One person was injured in the incident that caused a commotion at the police station.

Activist Mwangi, a professional photojournalist, condemned the action and accused the OCS Central Police Station, Moses Mutayi, of violating their right to picket and demonstrate.

“Police have decided to teargas their workplace and beat some of us. President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua continue to undermine the Constitution,” Mwangi lamented.

A teargas canister lobbed at a car outside the Central Police Station on July 8, 2023.PHOTO BONIFACE MWANGI

He had earlier criticised the current regime, stating that it frustrated the former CJ and veteran lawyer, John Khaminwa’s effort to release the detained protesters on bail.

Other activists who accompanied the trio to Central Police Station were Kenya National Commission on Human Rights commissioner Victor Kamau and city lawyer Lempaa Soyinka.

“These three lawyers camped here to demand the unconditional release of 32 peaceful citizens who were arrested yesterday in the CBD for taking part in the Saba Saba protests,” Mwangi added.

Mwangi also urged opposition leaders, Raila Odinga and Martha Karua to intervene and secure the release of the protesters.

On Friday, July 7, the retired Chief Justice bought foodstuff and water for the arrested activists.

Mutunga opined that the police erred in arresting the protestors citing Article 37 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya which details the right to picket and assemble.

According to human rights organisations, over 17 protesters were arrested with scores injured. The organisations demanded the unconditional release of the activists.

“Article 21 of the Constitution binds the police to fulfil, promote and protect human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. The 2nd Schedule of the National Police Service Act mandates that police use force only as a last resort and in an accountable manner. It is only appropriate to use force in specific circumstances, such as to protect life,” Amnesty International stated.