Faith Nyasuguta
Amnesty International has called on the Kenyan government to investigate the deaths of protestors killed during demonstrations earlier this year. Rights groups report that over 60 people were killed and others went missing after youth-led protests erupted in response to a controversial finance bill proposing tax hikes and new levies on a financially burdened population.
On Wednesday, Amnesty launched a petition along with a dossier containing crucial evidence, including footage and interviews with eyewitnesses, lawyers, and medical professionals. The organization alleges that Kenyan security forces used excessive force to suppress demonstrators. Amnesty also identified specific weapons used by the police, including rifles, submachine guns, and shotguns, to target the protestors.
The protests, which began three months ago, were driven by public outrage over the government’s proposed financial reforms. Many Kenyans argued that the bill would worsen the already difficult economic conditions, sparking weeks of protests across the country. Clashes between police and demonstrators led to dozens of fatalities, with accusations of police brutality growing as the unrest continued.
In addition to the reported deaths, Amnesty and other rights groups have raised concerns about the disappearance of individuals in the aftermath of the protests. Families of the missing have come forward, with many fearing that their loved ones were either unlawfully detained or killed.
Just days ago, grieving mothers gathered in Nairobi to demand justice for their children who were either killed or disappeared during the unrest.
Despite these serious allegations, there has been little investigation into the actions of the security forces. Amnesty’s petition, bolstered by testimonies from eyewitnesses and medical professionals, calls for a thorough inquiry into the killings and disappearances. The organization is pushing for accountability, urging the Kenyan government to hold those responsible for the violence to justice.
As the country marks three months since the protests began, there has been no formal investigation into the conduct of the police. Amnesty’s demands have put pressure on the authorities to act, as concerns about state repression and the right to protest grow. The Kenyan government’s response to this call for accountability will be crucial in determining the future of public dissent and protest within the country.
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