The data regarding the persons killed and those injured was cumulative from June 18 to July 1, 2024, with post-mortems for most of the victims yet to be conducted.
According to the latest data released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 39 people have been killed and 361 injured since nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 began on Tuesday, June 18.
KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede issued a press statement on Monday, July 1 regarding the status of the protests which have gone on for two weeks. It is the fourth report that the rights body has issued to the public on the Status of Human Rights in the ensuing protests.
“The Commission notes with concern that demonstrations that started as peaceful on the first day, unfortunately, turned chaotic on Tuesday 25th June 2024, and after, resulting in several deaths, injuries and damage to property,” the statement reads in part.
The data regarding the persons killed and those injured was cumulative from June 18 to July 1, 2024, with post-mortems for most of the victims yet to be conducted.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Roseline Odede. /FILE
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).
KNCHR also recorded 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protestors. Several others are indicated as being in hiding due to threats on their lives by unknown persons.
“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,” added the statement.Â
The Commission also strongly condemned the violent acts of lawlessness that were exhibited by some of the protestors, adding that it recorded the destruction and burning of critical government infrastructure including a National Library and a County Court in Eldoret, the Governor’s Office in Nairobi, and Parliament buildings.
KNCHR also recorded reports of the wanton destruction of property linked to politicians in Molo, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Embu as well as the destruction of private property, burning of cars and the breaking into and looting of shops.Â
“Over the weekend we documented instances of open hostility, threats of violence and actual violence meted out to 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. KNCHR urges the protestors to conduct themselves within the confines of the law while exercising their right under Article 37 of the Constitution,” added the commission.
On the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to assist national policing, the Commission reiterated the provisions of Article 238(2)(b) that provides that national security should be pursued in compliance with the law and with the utmost respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
The Commission revealed that it will be closely monitoring compliance with these Constitutional and statutory obligations, adding “The KNCHR reiterates that the Government has an obligation to facilitate the rights of protesters through the provision of security to ensure law and order.”
The statement comes a day after President William Ruto on Sunday cast doubt regarding the figures KNCHR reported since the protests began on June 18.
In a televised interview at State House, the Head of State noted that his authorities had informed him that the number of fatalities was estimated at 19. He accused KNCHR of cooking up figures regarding police action in Githurai on the night of Tuesday.
Ruto further maintained that only one person had been shot dismissing claims that a massacre was experienced in the populous estate along Thika Road.
President William Ruto speaking to journalists at State House, Nairobi on June 30, 2024. /CITIZEN DIGITAL