KNCHR called for the Head of State to issue a directive to security agencies effectively banning them from using excessive force on peaceful protesters.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has directed President William Ruto to honour his commitment to respecting the rule of law by issuing a zero-tolerance directive on human rights violations that include alleged police brutalities.
In a statement to newsrooms dated Tuesday, July 16, KNCHR called for the Head of State to issue a directive to security agencies effectively banning them from using excessive force on peaceful protesters.
The commission further called on 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.
“This should be conducted in a transparent and accountable manner by providing regular updates,” read the statement in part.
Anti-riot police officers at Nairobi CBD during past anti-government protests. /FILE
This is as the human rights body recorded 50 deaths spanning four weeks of demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024, which began on Tuesday, June 18. Furthermore, 413 people have been injured.
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 dead 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 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,” KNCHR’s statement added.
At the same time, KNCHR noted that 59 people have been abducted by authorities with 682 others being arrested.
“We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests. The Commission has moved the court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons,” the Commission stated.
KNCHR also revealed that it launched its independent investigations into the recent horrific revelations of the presence of mutilated and decomposing bodies at the Kware dumpsite in Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi.
It expressed shock at the state in which the bodies were found dismembered and wrapped in sacks and black polythene bags.
The body further referenced police reports which indicated that they arrested the main suspect linked to the killings who confessed to having killed forty-two (42) women and dumped them in the same dumpsite.
“So far reports indicate that ten (10) bodies have been recovered, all of them women. The Commission condemns those killings with the strongest terms possible. We condole with families that have lost their loved ones in these heinous killings. We are however saddened by news of the burning of the quarry and hope that this shall not be a damper to full, thorough and complete investigations,” added the statement.
“The happenings in Mukuru kwa Njenga are a great violation of human rights. Article 26 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life for every human being. Even as we await post-mortem results from the forensic teams, the Commission has commenced its independent investigations on the matter and will be issuing a comprehensive statement on the matter once the inquiry is complete.”
The suspect, Collins Jomaisi Khalisia, arrested over Mukuru killings (left) and onlookers at Kware Dumpsite. /DCI.PHOTO