Kenya: Release Political Prisoners Trust statement on extrajudicial executions

Release Political Prisoners Trust (RPP)
Press Statement
Extrajudicial execution by the Kenya police on Langata Road

20 January 2011

The extrajudicial killings that were carried out along Lang'ata Road by the Kenya Police indicates to all Kenyans that the death squads are now completely out of control. It is now clear to all that the Kenya Police have abandoned all pretext of any reform and are now operating totally outside the law. As an organisation, we feel vindicated in our long held position that the extrajudicial executions and forced disappearances are now official policy of the police and are sanctioned at the highest level of government. In the light of the most recent killings RPP Trust demands and expects the following:

- That the Lang’ata OCPD Mr. Augustine Kimantiri be immediately relieved of his position. From the media accounts, it is clear that Mr. Kimantiri is complicit in the cover up of the matter by putting out to the media - and Kenyans - a false account of the events. Further, officers under his command threatened journalists who were carrying out their legitimate duties in a totally unacceptable manner.

- That an independent commission of inquiry be set up to investigate the escalation of extrajudicial killings and involuntary disappearances in Kenya.

- That urgent steps be taken to disband the death squads and stop their activities and to restore police reforms. Further, the recommendation of the Philip Ransley Task Force on police reforms that an Independent Police Oversight Authority must be implemented.

Signed:
Odhiambo Oyoko
Programme Officer
Release Political Prisoners (RPP) Trust
Upperhill Gardens, Block D-14,
Third Ngong Avenue off Ngong Avenue.
P.O Box 4636-00200
Nairobi.
Tel: 020 2692071/2
Cell: 0717 431 738

E-mail: [email][email protected]