August 4, 2023: Top news items to look out for today
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, August 4, 2023
Hello! Here’s what you need to know in order to get up to speed with today’s happenings.
1. Lobby groups’ report on police brutality
Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Medical Association, and the Law Society of Kenya are today set to release a report on cases of police brutality reported during anti-government protests against the rising cost of living in Kisii and Kisumu counties last month.
The release of the report comes after the conclusion of a fact-finding mission by the three organisations following complaints from various quarters.
The fact-finding mission, the organisations say, was aimed at investigating and gathering evidence on the allegations of excess use of force by the police, extrajudicial killings, and destruction of property during the protests called by the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition.
During the fact-finding mission, the team of investigators interviewed various stakeholders, including witnesses, victims, and local authorities. They also visited hospitals to speak with patients’ nursing injuries sustained during the protests and met with mortuary attendants to gather information about casualties.
“This mission aimed to independently verify and document incidents of violence and human rights violations that occurred during the demonstrations,” the organisations said.
The organisations are expected to shed light on the extent of police brutality, advocate for justice, and call for accountability for any violations committed during the Azimio-led protests in Kisumu and Kisii counties.
2. Law Society of Kenya lodges petition against Finance Act
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is set to file a petition challenging the Finance Act.
LSK President Eric Theuri argues that Act violates the Constitution and wants the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stopped from collecting new taxes.
The latest development comes a week after the Court of Appeal lifted orders suspending the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 in a petition lodged by Busia Senator and activist Okiya Omtatah.
3. News around Single Working Women’s Day
Today is Single Working Women’s Day.
As its name implies, the day is set aside to celebrate all those women who are gainfully employed.
Various organisations and groups often celebrate this day by sending messages of goodwill to employed women.