Nairobi, Kenya – Rights organizations in Kenya are condemning what they describe as a disorganized police response during recent Gen Z protests at the nation’s Parliament, attributing numerous deaths and extensive property damage to the lack of proper security measures. During a press conference where a comprehensive report was unveiled, various groups highlighted the failure to safeguard one of the country’s significant public installations.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), joined by Amnesty International and others including the Independent Medical Legal Unit (IMLU) and Medics for Kenya, expressed concerns that several protesters are still unaccounted for, three months following the chaos. Mwaura Kabata, Vice President of LSK, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “We still have missing Kenyans who remain unfound following official complaints. It seems as though authorities are either indifferent or outright ignoring our calls for action.”
The report meticulously points out that the protest at Parliament was not spontaneous but had been publicized several days beforehand, giving law enforcement ample opportunity to prepare and prevent any violence. It criticized the police for not establishing a secure perimeter around the Parliament building and failing to effectively manage the crowd. Observers noted that rather than controlling the situation, the police actions, or lack thereof, contributed to the escalation of violence.
Further disturbing allegations were presented by the rights groups suggesting that unidentified men in civilian clothes were responsible for shooting at protesters. The report details, “Within a span of barely a minute, researchers documented at least 45 gunshots.”
These shocking incidences prompted the six organizations to call for the creation of a commission of inquiry to meticulously investigate the deaths, injuries, and unresolved disappearances related to the protests. They reported approximately 27 individuals still missing in connection with the incident.
Additionally, the groups brought to light the alleged reappearance of torture practices, referencing the worrying 30-day disappearance of three individuals from Kitengela, a case that has stirred significant public outcry and fear regarding police conduct. There were also reports of assaults on medics who were attempting to administer aid to injured protesters, further complicating the emergency response.
In response to these issues, Amnesty International reported that a petition advocating for a judicial commission of inquiry has gathered momentum with over 12,000 signatures. Irungu Houghton, the Executive Director, announced plans to present this petition to the National Assembly, stressing the need for accountability: “We must ensure that all officers guilty of crimes like homicide and violations of the rights to assembly and free expression are held accountable.”
Grace Wangechi of IMLU revealed that their organization had documented 61 deaths resulting from the demonstrations. With 49 autopsies completed, the push continues for the immediate release of the 27 protesters who remain missing. Wangechi called upon Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to initiate reforms that would elevate police conduct to internationally recognized human rights standards.
These unfolding developments have spurred the Law Society of Kenya to continue collecting data for a comprehensive petition aimed at compensating the families of deceased protesters and those injured during the tumultuous events. The demands for justice and accountability grow louder as the nation grapples with the implications of these tragic losses and the unsettling undercurrents of police violence.