The Gen Z protests in June that almost sent President Ruto's regime packing.PHOTO:IAN BYRON
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has released its latest State of Human Rights Report 2023/24, revealing deeply troubling findings regarding the state of human rights in Kenya, particularly during the Gen-Z protests in June and July 2024. The report highlights a range of violations, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, injuries to protesters, and escalating violence against women.
According to the report, at least 60 people were killed during the Gen-Z protests, with the majority of deaths attributed to actions by security agencies. Additionally, the report revealed that 74 protesters were forcibly disappeared between June and November 2024, with 26 still missing, underscoring a disturbing trend in state-sponsored violence and impunity.
Disturbing Statistics: Arbitrary Arrests and Injuries
KNCHR’s report further documented a shocking 1,376 arbitrary arrests of protesters, many of whom were subjected to inhumane treatment. 610 injuries were reported, including severe fractures, bullet wounds, soft tissue damage, and injuries caused by tear gas inhalation.
“While most of the injuries were inflicted by security officers, we also documented 25 cases where protesters caused harm to security officers,” said KNCHR Vice-Chairperson Raymond Nyeris. “However, it is important to note that the vast majority of violence against protesters was committed by law enforcement officers during what were largely peaceful demonstrations.”
A Surge in Femicide and Brutality Against Women
The report also highlights a surge in femicide, with at least 97 women murdered in the past three months alone. Nyeris described the brutality of these killings as particularly alarming, noting the discovery of 10 decomposing female bodies at a dumpsite in Nairobi’s Mukuru-Kware area. KNCHR has called for expedited investigations into these and other cases of gender-based violence, urging the government to take immediate action to bring perpetrators to justice.
“A disturbing trend of extreme brutality against women has emerged. This cannot be ignored,” Nyeris said, urging authorities to prioritize investigations and work toward preventing further violence.
Call for Accountability and Policy Reforms
KNCHR has called on the government to take stronger action to address human rights violations, including the criminalization of enforced disappearances. The Commission has also urged the government to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, an international treaty designed to combat forced disappearances.
The report also called for the operationalization of the National Coroners Service Act, a critical piece of legislation that would establish a legal framework for investigating unexplained deaths.
In response to increasing incidents of violence against journalists, KNCHR has strongly criticized the government for failing to protect media personnel during protests, with the Media Council of Kenya reporting over 24 injuries to journalists covering the demonstrations.
“We continue to witness cruel, degrading, and inhumane treatment of individuals, which is exacerbated by the worsening treatment of journalists,” Nyeris stated. “The government must act decisively to protect freedom of the press and the safety of those reporting on these critical issues.”
Health and Education Crises
In addition to documenting violence, the KNCHR report raised alarm about disruptions to essential health services following the government’s transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). According to KNCHR, many Kenyans have suffered due to disruptions in life-saving treatments such as dialysis, cancer therapy, and maternal care. Unused hospital equipment in counties and high out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare have exacerbated these problems, leaving many without access to necessary medical care.
“The government must take immediate action to address the gaps in the health sector and ensure that no Kenyan is left behind,” Nyeris emphasized.
The report also criticized the government’s New Higher Education Funding Model, which KNCHR argued disadvantages students from low-income families, further exacerbating inequality in access to higher education. Nyeris called for a strengthening of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) instead of introducing a new entity, and urged the government to resolve the ongoing strike by university lecturers to restore normalcy to the education system.
Urgent Need for Accountability and Human Rights Reforms
KNCHR’s 2023/24 report underscores the urgent need for accountability, policy reforms, and stronger protection of human rights across the country. The Commission has called on the government to take immediate action to address these ongoing violations and restore trust in public institutions.
“We must ensure that the right to life, dignity, and security is upheld for all Kenyans,” Nyeris concluded. “We must act now to prevent a further erosion of human rights in Kenya.”
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