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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that a total of 50 people have died in relation to the anti-government protests, since June 18.

KNCHR noted that some of them succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at various medical facilities, while others were found in the debris at the burned Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.

 In a statement, KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede said that a proper investigation into the killings and injuries should be done, and those found culpable to be charged.

“The number of the injured in relation to the protests countrywide stands at 413. The Commission urges proper investigations into the killings and injuries. Those found culpable whether civilian or security agents should be charged. In addition, the Commission shall also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses,” Odede said.

She also called upon the president to issue a zero tolerance directive on human rights violations to all deployed security agencies.

“We also call upon His Excellency the President to honor his commitment to respecting the rule of law by issuing a zero tolerance directive on human rights violations to all the deployed security agencies.”

The humanitarian organization highlighted that the victims included 21 individuals from Nairobi, three from Nakuru and three from Kajiado.

Other casualties include two individuals from Laikipia, one from Narok and four from Uasin Gishu counties.

Kakamega County also recorded two casualties, Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homa Bay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).

 Odede also pointed out 59 people who have reportedly been abducted or are missing since the start of the protests, and 682 who have been arbitrarily arrested.

Missing persons 

“The number of those arbitrarily arrested is 682. We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests,” she said. 

She noted that the commission has moved to court to seek accountability for the missing and abducted persons.

“The Commission has moved to court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons,” she added.

The commission head urged related agencies 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.

Juja quarry

KNCHR also spoke out against extrajudicial killings in light of these events and the recent discovery of Denzel Omondi’s body in a Juja quarry, calling for comprehensive forensic investigations to determine the cause and timing of deaths, in accordance with the Minnesota Protocol. 

The Commission also emphasised transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process, particularly during post-mortem examinations, and encouraged relatives of missing people to undergo DNA testing to help identify the deceased.

The Commission asked Parliament and the Treasury for funds to support a thorough investigation into suspected cases of extra-judicial killings and involuntary deaths, emphasising the importance of truth and closure for affected families. The KNCHR also provided an update on the anti-finance bill protests, which have been ongoing since June 18. 

Additionally, 413 people have been injured. 

Despite repeated calls to end abductions and arbitrary arrests, the KNCHR reported that 59 people have been abducted or are missing, and 682 have been arbitrarily detained. 

The Commission condemned these actions and called for the immediate release of all illegally detained individuals. 

The KNCHR urged the Inspector General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite investigations and prosecutions of all individuals involved in human rights violations during the protests, while emphasising transparency and regular updates.

The demonstrators and the failure of the government to meet the aspirations of the youth, known as generation Z, put President Ruto under a rough test. The tax reform is part of IMF conditionality for a 2.34 billion loan issued in April 2021.