Today, Amnesty International voiced its "strong condemnation" of the hundreds of murders which have been committed over the last few days by the Kenyan police during the protests against the irregularities that occurred in the general election of 27th December. According to Amnesty’s and eye-witnesses’ reports, the police opened fire on the protesters in different parts of the country. In some cases, machete-carrying protesters reacted by hurling stones, setting up barricades and destroying properties. "We ask the Kenyan Government to open an independent, impartial investigation on the murders committed in Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi and in all the other centres of the country in which protesters have been killed during the after-election protests stated Erwin van der Borght, director of the Amnesty International’s Africa program -. Those who committed such violence must be secured to justice as soon as possible". "The Government he added must make sure its police obey the international standards on the use of lethal strength". In addition, Amnesty International asks the authorities and the political parties of Kenya to take "any useful measure to avoid any further escalation of violence".” ” ” “
