65 people killed during Gen Z protests, says Amnesty

Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton speaking in Nairobi on 20th September 2023. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

At least 65 people were killed, and 89 were forcibly disappeared as thousands were arrested during the 2024 anti-government protests, according to Amnesty International Kenya.

In its State of Human Rights Report released on Tuesday in Nairobi, Amnesty's Director, Irungu Houghton, highlighted various instances of human rights violations that reflect a shift towards authoritarian practices last year.

The report indicates that the government's actions sought to infringe upon human rights.

"The government's response extended beyond physical spaces to targeting online dissent through enforced disappearances, arrests, account suspensions, threats, and physical violence. These actions created a climate of fear for those expressing public criticism and dissent," said Houghton.

He also pointed out the excessive use of force by the National Police Service during the nationwide protests in 2024, calling for justice for the victims.

"Despite promises from the highest levels of government, state institutions tasked with upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law have not arrested or prosecuted anyone responsible for nearly a year since protesters were killed near the Parliament premises," he stated.

Citing a report released by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding ongoing cases, Amnesty has urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to provide updates on the status and progress of any prosecutions.

Additionally, Amnesty has called on the Kenya Defence Forces to submit a report to Parliament detailing their deployment, engagement protocols, and overall actions during the 2024 protests.

The organisation also encourages the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces to take public action and address findings from a BBC documentary that identified two state security officers suspected of killing protesters.

Furthermore, Amnesty reported that femicide cases doubled in 2024 and urged the Gender Ministry to implement suitable interventions to address this issue.

The report also noted that over 6,000 households were demolished in slums, calling for the government to facilitate compensation for the victims.

Houghton has advised the Treasury to seek public opinion on introducing additional taxes and to explore alternative methods to reduce the debt deficit by tackling corruption.

To uphold freedom, Amnesty has urged legislators to shut down the proposed Assembly and Demonstration Bill (2024), which seeks to restrict the constitutional right to assembly.