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International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Documents 23 Deaths & 34 Abductions During Protests
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has recorded 24 deaths, 34 abductions, and 271 injuries linked to the protests.
In a communication to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the commission called for a detailed examination and investigation, stating that the protests undermined democratic principles and the rule of law.
Condemning the severe human rights abuses, the commission pointed to the deteriorating situation, worsened by ongoing protests against the proposed Finance Bill and other major national issues.
“So far, we have documented 23 deaths, 34 enforced disappearances/abductions, and 271 injuries,” the letter partially stated.
Other reported violations sent to IPOA include corporal punishment and the misuse of force and firearms.
Nationwide public dissent has been vocal since May 2024, peaking with the latest protest on 28 June 2024.
The commission aimed to address fears of escalating tensions following the deployment of Defence Forces across all countries.
“With the Defence Forces deployed after Parliament’s approval on 26 June 2024, we fear the situation could worsen.”
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According to the ICJ, attacks on civilians by security agencies breach international human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Kenyan Constitution.
Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Article 21 of the ICCPR safeguard the right to peaceful assembly, affirming that every individual can assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities in a peaceful, unarmed manner.
The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials state that lethal force should be used only in exceptional circumstances to protect life.
The commission has urged IPOA to investigate violations of these human rights principles and laws promptly.
“We thus implore the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate these instances expeditiously and in great detail.”
“Those responsible for authorizing and executing the use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, and enforced disappearances must be held accountable and prosecuted,” the commission emphasized.
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Documents 23 Deaths & 34 Abductions During Protests