The Police Reforms Working Group in Kenya has written to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) calling for investigations against Police violations during anti-finance bill protests.

The lobby group in a statement on Saturday, expressed concern over the recent use of extensive force by anti-riot police against peaceful protestors, violations documented include extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances, corporal punishment, and the use of unlawful force and firearms, among others.

The group noted it had documented 23 deaths, 34 enforced disappearances/abductions, and 271 injuries since the beginning of the Anti-Finance Bill protests.

“In addition to being against international human rights instruments, these acts subvert democratic ideals and the rule of law. Civilians attacks by Kenya’s security agencies are against international human rights standards including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Kenya is a signatory and the Kenyan constitution.”read the statement.

The group urged IPOA to hold those individuals in charge of approving the use of fatal force, making arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances accountable and to prosecute them.

They urged IPOA to carry out its mission to impartiality monitor and investigate police behavior and guarantee that such actions of breaching human rights will not happen again. Police Reform Working Group brings together 20 organizations which include, Amnesty International Kenya, HAKI Africa, Katiba Institute, and Kenya Human Rights Commission.