50 people dead, 413 injured in anti-Finance Bill protests - Kenyan rights commission reports

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that a total of 50 people have lost their lives across Kenya since the commencement of the anti-finance bill demonstrations on June 18, 2024.

In a report signed by KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede, the humanitarian organisation highlighted that the victims included 21 individuals from Nairobi.

The remaining casualties are distributed as follows; Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).

KNHCR added that some of the victims succumbed to injuries sustained during the protests while receiving treatment at various medical facilities, while others were found among the debris of the burned Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.

"The number of the injured in relation to the protests countrywide stands at four hundred and thirteen. The Commission urges proper investigations into the killings and injuries. Those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged. In addition, the Commission shall also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses," Odede said.

"We also call upon His Excellency the President to honour his commitment to respecting the rule of law by issuing a zero tolerance directive on human rights violations to all the deployed security agencies."

Additionally, Odede pointed out that 59 people have reportedly been abducted by the police and reported missing since the start of the demos.

"The number of those arbitrarily arrested is at six hundred and eighty-two (682). We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests," she said.  

"The Commission has moved the court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons."

Further, KNHCR urged the Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to speed up investigations and prosecution of all persons, including police officers, found culpable of human rights violations in the context of policing the demonstrations.

Subsequently, KNHCR implored protesters partaking in the demos to conduct themselves within the confines of the law while likewise beseeching police to accord them security in line with the law.

"This right comes with the responsibility of exercising it when peaceful and unarmed. Any departure from these minimum standards negates this right. The Commission will be closely monitoring compliance to these Constitutional and statutory obligations," said Odede.