The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that so far, a total of 50 people have died in connection with the anti-government protests.
Today, July 16, marks exactly four weeks since the Anti-Finance bill protests started on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
In a statement, KNCHR said some of them succumbed to injuries while they were undergoing treatment while other bodies were discovered under the debris of the burnt Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.
The deceased are from Nairobi (21), 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).
"The number of the injured stands at 413)," the statement noted.
The commission's Chairperson Roseline Odede, urged proper investigations into the killings and injuries.
"Those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged," she said.
Odede stated that the commission will also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses.
"We also call upon His Excellency the President to honor his commitment to respecting the rule of law by issuing a zero-tolerance directive on human rights violations to all the deployed security agencies."
On abductions, Odede said a total of 59 people have been abducted or are missing.
"The number of those arbitrarily arrested is at 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.
She added that the commission has moved the court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons.
She called upon the Inspector General of Police, 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.
KNCHR has been at the forefront in monitoring compliance with human rights principles and standards in these demonstrations and calling for action from duty bearers.
