Rights group condemns police brutality as Kenya marks Anti-Torture Day

Police escort pedestrians caught up in the Thika Road melee. Teargas canisters were fired to disperse rowdy youth who were pushing back against police. [Raymond Muthee] As the world observed the International Day in Support of Torture Victims on Thursday, human rights defenders have urged the Kenyan government to respect the rights of citizens to protest. David Koros, President of the Institute for Human Rights (IHR), spoke a day after commemorating the victims of the June 25, 2024, protests. He expressed deep sorrow over the violent incidents that occurred during mass protests across the country. Koros described it as regrettable that, on such a significant day, 11 Kenyans lost their lives during the remembrance of victims from the June 25 protest. He raised concern over the troubling trend of violence, abductions, enforced disappearances, and torture that have characterized recent protests in Kenya. "What happened on Wednesday is clear evidence that the Ruto regime has failed to deliver justice, leaving survivors, families, and human rights defenders vulnerable and unprotected," Koros stated. He highlighted a tragic case: "We recently lost Albert Ojwang, who was tortured to death while in police custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station. Last year, around 60 Kenyans were murdered through extrajudicial means. This unfortunate reality affects us all, making us all potential victims of torture." Koros emphasized that Kenyans have the right to peacefully protest and urged the government to establish appropriate guidelines and oversight structures for protests managed by law enforcement, the constitution and international law. He called on Kenyan authorities to respect and protect the right to peaceful assembly as outlined in the African Charter and the Kenyan constitution, following the African Commission's guidelines on freedom of association and assembly from 2017. "I urge former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to participate in this commemoration, as he is a victim of torture. He should lead by example, having suffered torture during the Kanu regime," he added. Koros also expressed concern over reports that government officials and politicians aligned with President Ruto were threatening citizens intending to protest against the government. "We have seen reckless statements from politicians like Oscar Sudi and Kassait Kamket, who are issuing threats against Kenyans wishing to take to the streets for liberation. This is unacceptable," he asserted. "This day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about torture and support victims and survivors worldwide." Koros explained that the purpose of this observance is to honour and support victims and survivors of torture, raise awareness about the widespread issue of torture, promote human rights, and advocate for the end of all forms of torture. This observance was established by the UN General Assembly in 1997, with the first commemoration occurring in 1998. "This date coincides with the events in Kenya on June 25. As Kenyans remember those lost on June 25, they should also commemorate the signing of the UN Charter on June 26, 1945, which included a commitment to respect and promote human rights," Koros concluded. Meanwhile, Father Ambrose Kimutai of St. Matthew's Ndarawetta Parish in Bomet County advocated for comprehensive dialogue involving all relevant parties. "Effective discussions must include more than just politicians. It is vital that the dialogue addresses the fundamental issues prompting these protests," Fr. Kimutai remarked. He noted that the ongoing unrest highlights the deep-seated frustrations among the youth and the complex challenges facing the government in resolving these issues. The clergy's call for an end to protests reflects the broader struggle to balance immediate concerns with the need for sustained, effective governance. He warned that ignoring or violently responding to peaceful protests risks plunging the country into deeper instability and moral crisis. "Young people deserve to be listened to and supported, not suppressed," he said, reflecting on the youth-led protests that shook the nation in 2024. Fr. Kimutai pointed out that although the protests began peacefully, driven by rising taxation, limited opportunities, and growing political exclusion, they soon turned tragic due to the "brutal use of force," which led to the deaths of many young Kenyans. He condemned what he termed a "disturbing pattern" of abductions, harassment, and extrajudicial killings of youth activists. "These incidents have left families in mourning and communities in a state of fear," he remarked. "Our young people are not enemies of the state. They are citizens with valid concerns who should be heard and supported in building a better future for all." He said.

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