NAIROBI, KENYA: The United Nations Human rights office has condemned the killing of Kenyan human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josphat Mwenda, and a taxi driver, Joseph Muiruri.
Spokesman of the office said the three were killed in a context of persistent allegations of extrajudicial killings by police forces.
“It is imperative to throw full light on what happened and to establish all responsibilities related to these atrocious murders,” said Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a briefing in Geneva.
Calling on the Kenyan authorities to strengthen efforts towards accountability, the spokesperson said the authorities should also take urgent measures to prevent extrajudicial executions and police brutality and other serious violations.
“These are steps the Kenya authorities have committed to, including in last year’s Universal Periodic Review, and they are essential if trust is to be restored before elections take place next year. We also call on the authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment in which civil society can operate freely and without fear,” Mr. Colville said.
He said Attorney General Githu Muigai has stated that no effort will be spared to identify those responsible for the killings, and the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet announced that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
A “welcome development” was the pledge by the Attorney General that the Prevention of Torture bill would be presented in Parliament within 28 days, Mr. Colville said.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko appointed four prosecutors to work with the team investigating the murder.
“The DPP wishes to assure the members of the public and legal fraternity that the matter is being handled with professionalism,” said Tobiko.
The bodies of the three were discovered in a river in Ol-Donyo Sabuk on Thursday stuffed in a sack, a week after they had gone missing.
