A photo taken during the Saba Saba protests in Kisii County on Friday, July 7, has caused a stir, sparking a heated debate on social media about police brutality and the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace during demonstrations.

The viral photo captured a distressed elderly woman running past a police officer who had raised his baton in a threatening manner. Many Kenyans who claimed to be familiar with the woman expressed outrage over the officer's actions, considering that the unarmed and non-threatening woman posed no danger to the officers who were handling the protests in the town.

According to sources, the woman, who hails from Suneka, is mentally unstable. The situation was further compounded by reports that she had recently lost her son under suspicious circumstances in Kisii. Allegations surrounding her son's death varied, with some claiming it was suicide while others suggested foul play.

Commenting on the incident, a source close to the woman lamented the harsh treatment she had endured, saying, "After enduring the tragic loss of her son, this poor woman was subjected to yet another act of cruelty by the police during the anti-government riots. It is deeply disheartening and calls for accountability."

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka criticized the police for the use of excessive force in quelling the protests in Kisii. He questioned how the initially peaceful demonstrations escalated into a violent confrontation that resulted in an officer being pinned down and damage to property of unknown value.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Kisii, Senator Onyonka called for a thorough and prompt investigation into the allegations of excessive force and the use of live ammunition by law enforcement agencies. He urged the National Police Service to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the violence that unfolded during the Saba Saba protests in Kisii and other parts of the country.

Human rights activists also demanded the release of protesters who were arrested during the demonstrations. They criticized the police for failing to operate within their mandate, citing Article 21 of the Constitution, which obligates the police to protect human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) emphasized that the use of force should only be employed as a last resort and in a manner that is accountable and proportional to the circumstances.

In the wake of this incident, there is a growing call for justice, accountability, and a reevaluation of police conduct during protests. The focus is on upholding human rights and ensuring that demonstrations serve their intended purpose of promoting positive change and the well-being of citizens.