The Constitutional Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC)  on Thursday met the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chairperson of  the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) over the recent protests in the country.

In a meeting chaired by Mwingi West MP Hon. Nguna Ngusya, the Committee asked the Commision to clarify whether only the police were to  blame for the outcome of  the protests.

In his response, CEO, Dr. Bernard Mogesa, said  all perpetrators should be held accountable, including organizers of the protests and those who disrupted business during the demonstrations. He added that protests should be peaceful as stipulated by law.

Dr. Mogesa further explained that, "the Constitution provides for the right to demonstrate. However, this right is limited to peaceful demonstrations and being unarmed during picketing". He added that  failure to comply with these provisions violates the Constitution.

Members of the Committee also sought to know why the KNCHR is quiet on the controversial issue of same sex marriages following a recent Supreme Court verdict that gave the green light for  registration of LGBTQ society.

Ms. Roseline Odede, the Chairperson of KNCHR, told the Committee that the mandate of the Commission is to promote and protect human rights. She added that no law permits same sex marriage, however the noted that theiir mandate obligates them to protect every person from violence.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Ngusya  said the Committee will work with the Commission to ensure that they fulfil their mandate.