The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) have commended the Kenyan youth for their courageous stand against the punitive Finance Bill, 2024. In a joint statement, the groups highlighted the constitutional right to peaceful assembly as outlined in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, while condemning the violence that erupted during the protests.
As the country marked the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the reminder of past dark days was stark. Reports of killings, maiming, abductions, and disruptions during the demonstrations have surfaced, painting a grim picture of the current state of human rights in Kenya.
Davis Marombe, Executive Director of KHRC, recounted a particularly harrowing incident outside parliament where police shot at young, unarmed protesters. He noted that the violence extended into the night, with several individuals being shot in Githurai, Nairobi, some more than 40 times, between 10 pm and 1 am, well after the protest had ended.
Marombe attributed the massacre in Githurai to a provocative and insensitive address by President William Ruto at State House, delivered at 9 pm. He claimed that the president’s threats incited the violence that began shortly after his speech.
“The deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) was illegal,” Marombe stated, referencing Article 241 (2, c) of Kenya’s Constitution, which mandates National Assembly approval for such deployment. As of last evening, PRWG recorded 23 deaths from police shootings nationwide, with over 50 arrests, 22 abductions, and more than 300 injuries.
Marombe emphasized that President Ruto bears responsibility for these actions, labeling them as crimes against humanity and suggesting that Ruto could once again be a candidate for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In his address last night, President Ruto had characterized the protests as treasonous. In response, the KHRC and PRWG clarified that it is Ruto’s actions, not the protests, that are treasonous. They condemned the president for failing to heed public grievances, illegally deploying the military, and employing snipers against unarmed protesters.
Joshua Changwony, Executive Director of CRECO, criticized the government’s spokesperson for spreading rumors about external funding of the protests. Changwony called this narrative a deliberate attempt by Ruto’s regime to delegitimize the organic, independent protest driven by young Kenyans against the Finance Bill and broader governance issues.
Dr. Eboso, a medical doctor, 254 Hope Kenya recounted witnessing police shooting a young protester in the head along Parliament Way. He condemned the Members of Parliament who failed to listen to the electorate, urging the police to remain vigilant and resist being used by self-interested leaders.
The KHRC, PRWG, and other human rights organizations are calling on President Ruto to refrain from signing the Finance Bill and to address the concerns of Kenyans. They reiterated that the right to assembly and picketing is constitutionally protected and urged the president to respect the will and constitutional rights of the people.