Piece by: GARVIN PATRICK

28 June 2024

• The KDF Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of human rights and basic freedoms

Reasons why protesters cheered the Kenya Defence Forces

Kenya's security is crucial, and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) perform an important role in protecting the country. However, how do KDF operations ensure that the Kenyan Constitution's fundamental rights and freedoms are upheld?

The KDF rulebook and its compatibility with the constitution, ensures people's peace of mind.

The Kenyan Constitution provides a defined framework for the conduct of security forces.

Articles 242 and 244 particularly refer to the Kenya Defence Forces, emphasizing their duty to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity while respecting the Constitution and the rule of law.

KDF laws and regulations are deliberately constructed to incorporate these constitutional principles.

For example, the KDF Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of human rights and basic freedoms.

It establishes criteria for KDF troops to interact with people professionally and courteously while protecting citizen safety and dignity.

A security force that respects human rights must also be transparent and accountable.

The Kenyan Constitution established civilian monitoring procedures for the military.

KDF policies follow these mechanisms, ensuring that the public maintains some control over military actions.

Furthermore, KDF members receive extensive training in human rights law and military rules of engagement.

This training prepares them to negotiate complex circumstances while respecting the law and minimizing civilian harm.

Of course, there may be times when national security concerns require temporary restrictions on certain rights. However, the Kenyan Constitution provides explicit explanations for such prohibitions.

Any constraints imposed by KDF operations must be clearly essential, reasonable, and time-bound.

The Kenyan Constitution provides the foundation for a secure and rights-respecting society.

KDF laws and regulations are clearly connected with this framework, ensuring that Kenya's brave men and women defend the country within a legal framework that protects all people' rights and freedoms.