KNCHR: At least 39 dead, 361 injured due to ongoing protests

KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said postmortem for most of the victims is yet to be conducted.

The chairperson raised concern that demonstrations which started as peaceful on the first day turned chaotic on June 25.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for action from duty bearers saying they are at the forefront of documenting human rights violations.

In a statement on Monday, the Commission said at least 39 people have died and 361 injured during the countrywide anti-Finance Bill protests.

The Commission said the data was recorded from June 18 to July 1, 2024.

KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said postmortem for most of the victims is yet to be conducted.

The chairperson raised concern that demonstrations which started as peaceful on the first day turned chaotic on June 25.

"The demonstrations resulted in several deaths, injuries and property damage," she said.

KNCHR said deceased victims are from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3) Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4) Kakamega (1) Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) and Nandi (1).

Odede said there were 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protestors.

The KNCHR chair said the Commission notes that several others indicated being in hiding due to threats on their lives by unknown persons.

She condemned the unwarranted violence and force that was inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists and safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centres and ambulances.

"We maintain that the force used against the protestors was excessive and disproportionate," Odede said.

She further condemned the violent and shocking acts of lawlessness exhibited by some of the protestors.

"We recorded the destruction and burning of critical government infrastructure including a National Library and a County Court in Eldoret, the Governor's Office in Nairobi and Parliament buildings," she added.

Odede said the Commission received reports of destruction of property linked to politicians in Molo, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kiambu and Embu.

She said they recorded the destruction of private property, the burning of cars and the breaking into and looting of shops.

"Over the weekend we documented instances of open hostility, threats of violence and actual violence meted out to politicians by the public," she said.

"This is unacceptable, rights have obligations and we urge restraint, respect for the rule of law by all and non-violation of the rights of others."

KNCHR urged the protesters to conduct themselves within the confines of the law while exercising their right under Article 37 of the Constitution.

The Commission said the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to assist national policing should be pursued in compliance with the law.

The chairperson added that the commission will be closely monitoring compliance with these Constitutional and statutory obligations.

"The KNCHR reiterates that the government has an obligation to facilitate the rights of protesters through the provision of security to ensure law and order," she said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).