The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been monitoring the demonstrations by Wananchi against the Finance Bill 2024 since Tuesday 18th June, 2024.
The Commission made the following observations after monitoring the demonstrations on Thursday 20th June across the country:
a) Death: One fatality has been reported this evening. Reports indicate that the deceased was shot during the protests and was rushed to Bliss Medical Centre on Moi Avenue in Nairobi Central Business District where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
b) Injuries: About 200 people were injured in Nairobi and Kisumu. The injuries range from fractures, bullet wounds, soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas. Majority were treated on site and discharged while 50 who were severely injured in Nairobi were referred for further specialized treatment. In one particular case several people were injured when police lobbed teargas inside a public service vehicle on Moi Avenue.
c) Demonstrations took place across 19 Counties. They include: Nyeri, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Isiolo, Kisii, Laikipia (Nanyuki), Kilifi, Garissa, Kiambu (Thika), Kakamega, Nairobi, Meru, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Mombasa, Embu, Machakos and Migori.
d) Arbitrary arrests: More than 105 persons were arrested across the country. They include Nairobi (20), Garissa (2), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Narok (4), Uasin Gishu (70), and Nakuru (2). So far 14 persons have been released.
e) Peaceful protests: KNCHR would once again like to commend protestors for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the demonstrations. The protestors who were mostly young men and women were peaceful despite provocation by the police who confronted them with teargas, live bullets, batons as well as water cannons.
Just like it was for last Tuesday protests, the Commission still holds that the restriction and use of force by police in today’s protests was unnecessary and disproportionate. Freedom of assembly and association are considered to be not only fundamental human rights but also essential to sustained economic, social and democratic progress.
The government has an obligation to facilitate the rights of protesters through provision of security to ensure law and order. Any restriction to the right to Freedom of assembly must in conformity with the law. The Commission therefore demands that:
a) Thorough investigations to be carried out in regards to the death of Rex Masai and all those injured in the protest, especially those who suffered bullet wounds.
b) All illegally detained persons following Thursday’s protests be released unconditionally.
c) The police should at all times conduct themselves in accordance with the law. Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya provides that every person has a right picket and present petitions to public authorities provided they do so in a peaceful manner.
KNCHR would also like to wish quick recovery to the two police officers, Chief Inspector David Maina and Corporal Moraa, who are recuperating in hospital after a teargas canister exploded on them during the protests.
The Commission shall continue to discharge its constitutional duty of protection and promoting the rights of all Kenyans. KNCHR calls on anyone with information and human rights concerns relating to the protests to share it through-: SMS-22359, Email- complaint@knchr.org WhatsApp 0798 849 871 and Toll Free Line 0800 720 627.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an Independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the KNCHR Act, 2011. The Commission’s mandate is the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya.
Roseline Odede,
Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).