Amnesty International has reported that 24 Kenyans have died as a result of police brutality during recent nationwide protests. The human rights organization released a statement on Monday detailing the casualties, which include a twelve-year-old boy named Kennedy Onyango, who is the youngest victim.
The protests, which began on June 18, are in response to the Finance Bill 2024 and broader anti-government sentiments. According to Amnesty International, the demonstrations have led to significant violence and numerous human rights abuses. As of Sunday night, the protests have resulted in 361 injuries, 627 arrests, and 32 abductions.
Amnesty International’s statement highlighted the distinction between abduction and arrest, noting that many individuals abducted by state officers were not informed of the charges against them nor booked into police stations.
“Tens have been held incommunicado and denied access to their families, legal representation, and medical assistance,” the statement read.
The organization also condemned the excessive use of police force against emergency response teams and journalists. “Medical personnel have come under fire, arrested by state officers, and had their patient lists stolen from mobile emergency centres serving the injured. Lawyers have been denied access to their clients, arrested, and intimidated by officers of the state to drop cases,” Amnesty said.
Journalists have faced similar treatment, with reports of cameras being confiscated, and some journalists being arrested and beaten in broad daylight. Staff operating helplines and funds set up to support legal representation and medical assistance have also experienced harassment.
Amnesty International has called on the Kenyan government to address the demands of the youth, including the release of those held incommunicado by police and increased accountability in governance. “Many of their demands, in our view, do not require policy dialogue but decisive executive action,” the organization stated.
The protests have underscored a growing discontent among Kenyan youth towards President William Ruto’s administration, with some protestors calling for his resignation and the withdrawal of his Cabinet.
In response, President Ruto, during a round-table session at State House on Sunday, assured that no police force would be used against peaceful protesters as demonstrations are set to continue on Tuesday and Thursday.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, urging for restraint and respect for human rights in Kenya.