The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has revealed that 50 people have been killed since the beginning of anti-government protests on June 18.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 16, KNCHR said 413 Kenyans have been injured during the nationwide demonstrations.
“So far a total of fifty (50) people have died in relation to the protests. Some of them succumbed to injuries while they were undergoing treatment while other bodies were discovered under the debris of the burnt Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi,” read the statement in part.
The dead are from Nairobi (21), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).
The commission called for proper investigations into the killings and injuries of the protestors noting that those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged.
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At the same time, KNCHR noted that 59 people have been abducted by authorities with 682 others being arrested.
“We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests. The Commission has moved the court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons,” the Commission stated.
KNCHR called on the Inspector General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to speed up investigations and prosecution of all persons including police officers found culpable of human rights violations in the context of policing the demonstrations.
Further, the commission announced that it has commenced investigations into the Mukuru Kwa Njenga killings where 10 bodies have been discovered in a quarry.
“The happenings in Mukuru kwa Njenga is a great violation of human rights. Article 26 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life for every human being. Even as we await post-mortem results from the forensic teams, the Commission has commenced its independent investigations on the matter and will be issuing a comprehensive statement on the matter once the inquiry is complete,” KNCHR added.