The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has revealed the number of deaths and injuries recorded during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
In their report released on Monday, July 1, 2024, KNCHR disclosed that 39 people have lost their lives in the demonstrations and 361 others were injured from the protests which commenced on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, to Monday, July 1, 2024.
From their data, Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths standing at 17 as of Monday, July 1, 2024.
“The dead are from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (1), Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) and Nandi (1),” the KNCHR report read in part.
Report on abductions
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 32 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances were recorded. 627 instances of arrests of protestors were also recorded since the demos started.
“The Commission continues to condemn in the strongest terms possible the unwarranted violence and force that was inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists, and on safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centres and ambulances. We maintain that the force used against the protestors was excessive and disproportionate,” their report stated.
Destruction of property
The report established that property of unknown value was destroyed during the protests. They include a national library and a county court in Eldoret, the Governor’s Office in Nairobi, and Parliament buildings.
“We also have reports of the wanton destruction of property linked to politicians in Molo, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Embu. Also recorded is the destruction of private property, burning of cars and the breaking into and looting of shops,” the report adds.
The commission has however condemned the protestors for destroying property. At the same time, the commission condemned hostility meted on some Members of Parliament who supported the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
“Over the weekend we documented instances of open hostility, threats of violence and actual violence meted on politicians by the public This is unacceptable, rights have obligations and we urge restraint, respect for the rule of law by all and non-violation of the rights of others,” the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights insisted.
Roseline Odede, the chairperson of the commission noted that they will remain keen to monitor how the Kenya Defence Forces will conduct themselves while helping the National Police Service.
“The Commission will be closely monitoring compliance to these Constitutional and statutory obligations.The KNCHR reiterates that the Government has an obligation to facilitate the rights of protesters through provision of security to ensure law and order,” the commission added.
