PROTESTS Archives - GOSSIP A - Z

Police Brutality: Former IG Japhet Koome Found Criminally Responsible for Harm to Protestors

ian — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:56:45 +0000

Police Brutality: Former IG Japhet Koome Found Criminally Responsible for Harm to Protestors

The High Court has dealt a setback to former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, ruling that he must be held personally accountable for specific orders he issued while serving as Kenya’s police chief.

Justice Ngaah Jairus of the Nairobi Court determined that Koome made errors in his directives to police regarding the handling of protestors during his tenure and that he should bear responsibility for those actions.

”As to whether the respondent can be held criminally responsible for the acts of officers under his command in violently disrupting KMPDU (Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union) members’ peaceful assembly, demonstration or picketing or other forms of expression consistent with the exercise of their rights under articles 36, 37 and 41 of the Constitution as result of which Dr. Devji Atelu was injured, the answer is in the affirmative,” Justice Ngaah ruled.

”The respondent could, and can properly be subjected to a criminal trial for the acts or omissions of the officers under his command if those acts or omissions fit the description of offenses as defined in law,”

This follows a legal action taken by human rights groups who filed a petition against Koome for unlawful conduct after he instructed police officers in April of last year to handle striking doctors “firmly and decisively.”

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As a result of this order, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atelah sustained serious injuries while leading the doctors’ industrial protests at that time.

Human rights organizations quickly pressured the then Inspector General to clarify the intent behind his orders, questioning whether they were meant to harm the Secretary-General.

In his ruling, Justice Ngaah highlighted that the Constitution assigns all command and responsibility powers to the Inspector General (IG) as an individual, making them directly accountable for any orders they give.

Among the lobby groups that brought the case to court were the Katiba Institute, the Kenya Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), Transparency International Kenya (TI), The Institute For Social Accountability (TISA), and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI).

”The High Court has allowed our Judicial Review application to hold Japhet Koome Nchebere personally responsible for his statement on 14 April 2024 directing the police to deal with striking and picketing doctors firmly and decisively,” Katiba Institute shared after the ruling.

Interpretation

The High Court ruling suggests that, unless contested, any person now has the right to sue the Inspector General of Police for any acts of brutality that arise from orders given to junior officers by the IG.

”A win for accountability against the police. In my opinion, there’s one more hierarchical step up the ladder of accountability when it comes to command responsibility, especially within the police forces. The law may grind slowly but surely,” a legal practitioner shared after the ruling.

The ruling also arrives at a moment when the current Inspector General, Douglas Kanja, is dealing with court cases related to abductions. He is likely to face charges of contempt of court, similar to those his predecessor is currently confronting.

”If Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja misses the next hearing, I will have no choice but to charge him with contempt of court and sentence him on the spot,” Justice Mwamuye has warned after Kanja missed a court session.

Police Brutality: Former IG Japhet Koome Found Criminally Responsible for Harm to Protestors

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President Ruto Admits Police Misconducts at Protests

ian — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 13:03:40 +0000

President Ruto Admits Police Misconducts at Protests

President William Ruto admitted on Tuesday that Kenya’s security forces have been involved in abuses, following protests against recent alleged kidnappings that have sparked nationwide outrage.

The East African country’s security forces have faced accusations of carrying out illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government protests in June and July were forcefully suppressed.

On Monday, police detained many protesters and used tear gas to break up small rallies demanding the release of those who had gone missing.

“It’s clear that there have been cases of excessive and illegal actions by security personnel,” Ruto stated in his New Year’s address, without going into details.

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“However, it’s important to remember that freedom has limits, and the need for public safety and order always outweighs the desire for unchecked freedom.”

Last week, the president vowed to “stop the abductions,” a promise human rights groups saw as an admission of wrongdoing.

He also urged parents to take responsibility for their children.

The recent disappearances mainly involve young people critical of Ruto online, including two who shared an AI-generated image of the president in a coffin.

“These events show that our moral values are being threatened, especially due to the misuse of digital technology, particularly social media, to promote negative behavior and weaken our morals,” Ruto added in his year-end speech.

– ‘Explain under oath’ –

A Nairobi court on Monday ruled that security forces must “immediately and unconditionally” release five men who were allegedly abducted.

Judge Bahati Mwamuye ordered police to bring the men to court on Tuesday or “explain under oath” their whereabouts.

None of the missing men appeared in court, and a grieving father asked where his son was. The police inspector general, who had also been summoned, sent a representative in his place.

Although police deny any involvement in the disappearances, activists have criticized their lack of investigation into the matter.

Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch pointed to a unit from various security agencies as being involved.

Last week, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported seven abduction cases this month, with six of the victims still missing.

Overall, 29 of the 82 people reported missing since June remain unaccounted for, according to the KNCHR.

President Ruto Admits Police Misconducts at Protests

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DCI Requests to Confiscate Phones of Omtatah and Co-Accused Amid Ongoing Protest Probe

ian — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 21:28:49 +0000

DCI Requests to Confiscate Phones of Omtatah and Co-Accused Amid Ongoing Protest Probe

On Tuesday, December 31, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) asked the Chief Magistrate at the Milimani Law Courts for permission to seize the mobile phones of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and other individuals arrested during the December 30 protests.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) filed a petition, explaining that the phones were needed to recover social media messages and photos shared by Omtatah and his co-accused. This would aid the DCI’s ongoing investigation.

The petition stated, “The phones should be sent to the Communication Authority of Kenya to extract data from WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, which may have incited the public against the government.”

The DCI is investigating Omtatah and the 22 other people arrested for inciting violence and defying the law during protests in Nairobi and other areas on December 30. The protests were triggered by anger over recent kidnappings, with at least seven people reported missing in the past week.

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Activists had called for protests to demand the release of the missing individuals, including Steve Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, and Rony Kiplang’at.

The DCI also asked to detain Omtatah and the others for an additional 14 days to continue their investigation. They stated that they needed CCTV footage from nearby Java and Naivas supermarkets in Nairobi’s Central Business District and witness statements to complete the inquiry.

The DCI argued that releasing the suspects could lead to more unrest, saying they posed a threat to the country’s peace and stability. “If released, they may continue inciting violence on social media, causing division in the country,” the DCI warned.

Omtatah’s arrest sparked widespread public outrage, with many following his case closely. Political leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, expressed support for Omtatah and criticized the government for restricting citizens’ rights and freedoms.

DCI Requests to Confiscate Phones of Omtatah and Co-Accused Amid Ongoing Protest Probe

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Okiya Omtatah, 22 Protesters Freed as Bail Slashed to Ksh.1K

ian — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 20:04:24 +0000

Okiya Omtatah, 22 Protesters Freed as Bail Slashed to Ksh.1K

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and 22 other demonstrators arrested in Nairobi on Monday have been freed on bond.

Initially, the bond was set at Ksh.50,000 with an equivalent surety. However, the court later reduced the amount to Ksh.1,000 for each person as a New Year’s goodwill gesture.

The group was apprehended in Nairobi’s Central Business District while protesting against the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances targeting critics of the government.

They appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi on Tuesday, facing charges of incitement to violence and promoting civil disobedience.

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During the court session, the accused requested a lower bond amount of Ksh.5,000 each, citing financial difficulties, particularly during the New Year period.

The prosecution, however, opposed this request, arguing that the suspects posed a risk to national stability. They claimed the individuals had used social media to incite unrest and could potentially disturb public peace if released.

Police had also sought permission to hold the suspects for 14 days to complete investigations, a request that the defense team, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, strongly opposed.

The defense argued for their release on free bond, highlighting the lack of sufficient grounds for extended detention.

Ultimately, the court decided to lower the cash bail to Ksh.1,000 for each of the accused. The Law Society of Kenya also stepped in, offering to pay the bail for all 23 individuals as an act of solidarity.

The court further directed that the mobile phones of the accused remain in police custody until the case is mentioned again on January 21.

Okiya Omtatah, 22 Protesters Freed as Bail Slashed to Ksh.1K

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Kenyan Youth Protests: Raila Odinga Denies Benefiting from Gen Z Unrest

ian — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:59:51 +0000

Kenyan Youth Protests: Raila Odinga Denies Benefiting from Gen Z Unrest

In June and July 2024, Kenyan youth took to the streets, demanding that President William Ruto address rising living costs and controversial tax measures outlined in the Finance Bill 2024.

The protests peaked on June 25 when demonstrators stormed Parliament following the rushed approval of the Finance Bill. The unrest persisted, pressuring President Ruto to recall the bill entirely. Shortly after, Ruto dismissed his entire Cabinet.

Weeks later, the President unveiled a new Cabinet that included members of Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This political collaboration, viewed by many as a historic “handshake” between rivals, formed a broad-based government.

Critics claimed Odinga benefited from the protests, an allegation he strongly refuted in an interview with Citizen TV.

“I did not gain from the Gen Z protests. That claim is baseless,” Odinga stated, explaining that Ruto approached ODM to include its members in governance for inclusivity.

Odinga also noted that the discussions leading to the new government did not involve the protesting youth.

“Gen Z was absent during consultations. When called to participate, they didn’t show up,” Odinga said, adding that Ruto’s Cabinet dissolution deflated political pressure by removing a target for criticism.

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The ODM leader clarified that while some coalition members were hesitant, his team eventually nominated individuals to serve in the new government. However, he emphasized that this was not a coalition with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.

“It wasn’t a coalition. The appointments were based on merit. Those chosen had to step down from party leadership roles, though not from membership,” Odinga explained.

Odinga further linked the youth-led protests to his own 2023 demonstrations, citing similarities in their demands. He attributed the youth’s grievances to the government’s failure to implement proposals from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).

According to Odinga, the Gen Z movement was fueled by widespread distrust in Kenya’s executive, judiciary, and legislature, highlighting a growing discontent with institutional governance.

Kenyan Youth Protests: Raila Odinga Denies Benefiting from Gen Z Unrest

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Where Are They?: 29 People Still Missing from Abductions Since June 2024

ian — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 06:00:44 +0000

Where Are They?: 29 People Still Missing from Abductions Since June 2024

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed alarm over increasing abduction cases, with 26 individuals still unaccounted for following anti-government protests in June 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, KNCHR highlighted that these incidents are carried out secretly by unidentified armed individuals. The victims, the commission noted, have been vocal critics on social media.

The total reported cases of abductions or enforced disappearances since June now stand at 82, with 13 new cases recorded in the past three months. December alone witnessed seven abductions, six of which remain unresolved, pushing the number of missing persons to 29.

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“These abductions violate constitutional rights and require immediate intervention,” KNCHR stated, warning that such actions risk dragging the country back to a dark era of fear and oppression against government critics.

The Commission also dismissed claims by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who denied police involvement in the abductions during a statement on December 26. KNCHR urged law enforcement to prioritize citizen protection, citing incidents captured on CCTV and occurring in broad daylight.

Among the December victims are Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Naomi, Rony Kiplang’at, and Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull.

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations to determine if police officers are implicated. “If evidence is found, appropriate actions, including prosecutions, will follow, and the findings will be made public,” IPOA assured.

Where Are They?: 29 People Still Missing from Abductions Since June 2024

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More than 1,500 Escape Mozambique Prison amid Election Protests

ian — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:31:58 +0000

More than 1,500 Escape Mozambique Prison amid Election Protests

Over 1,500 inmates broke out of a prison in Mozambique, exploiting chaos sparked by disputed election results, according to police reports.

During the escape, 33 people were killed and 15 injured in violent clashes with prison guards, police chief Bernardino Rafael revealed during a press briefing. Authorities have since recaptured around 150 of the escaped prisoners, he added.

Protests erupted on Monday after Mozambique’s constitutional court upheld the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October’s presidential election. The Frelimo party has held power since 1975.

Rafael explained that anti-government protesters gathered outside the prison in Maputo on Wednesday, creating a diversion that allowed inmates to breach a wall and flee.

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Unrest has gripped Mozambique since the controversial elections in October, where official results initially declared Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, the winner with 71% of the vote against opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane’s 20%. However, the constitutional court recently revised Chapo’s victory margin to 65% compared to Mondlane’s 24%.

The protests intensified after the court’s ruling, turning Maputo into a near ghost town by Christmas Eve. Businesses closed, and residents stayed indoors as violent clashes unfolded. Government offices, police stations, banks, and factories across the country have been looted, vandalized, and set on fire.

Interior Minister reports confirmed that at least 21 people have died in the latest wave of protests.

Meanwhile, Mondlane, who has fled the country, has called for continued demonstrations against what he alleges to be a fraudulent election. In a social media statement, he hinted at the possibility of a “popular uprising” if the election results were not overturned.

Since the October elections, over 150 people have lost their lives in ongoing protests.

More than 1,500 Escape Mozambique Prison amid Election Protests

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Gen Z Lives Lost During June 2024 Anti-Tax Protests in Kenya

ian — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 15:23:32 +0000

Gen Z Lives Lost During June 2024 Anti-Tax Protests in Kenya

The protests in Kenya, sparked by opposition to the proposed tax hikes and economic measures, led to violent clashes between demonstrators and police in June 2024. The protests, mainly against the Finance Bill 2024, resulted in tragic deaths and significant unrest.

Several people lost their lives during the protests, including Rex Kanyike Masai, Abdi Kadir, Evans Kiratu, Eric Shieni, David Chege, Beasley Kamau, Ibrahim Kamau, and Kennedy Onyango.

Rex Kanyike Masai was shot and killed in Nairobi on June 20, marking one of the first fatalities during the protests. His death became a symbol for the protesters’ cause.

Abdi Kadir, shot during the early protests, passed away in the hospital on July 16. The 24-year-old was laid to rest the following day.

Evans Kiratu was killed by a tear gas canister, which police had used to disperse crowds, but tragically caused his death.

Eric Shieni, a university student, died outside Parliament while protesting. He was set to graduate in September, making his death even more heartbreaking for his family.

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David Chege, a Computer Science graduate and freelance IT professional, also died outside Parliament, leaving behind unrealized potential.

Beasley Kamau went missing after participating in the protests and was later found dead at the City Mortuary, fueling public outrage over the government’s handling of the demonstrations.

Ibrahim Kamau, just 19, was killed by gunshots during protests outside Parliament. Kamau had recently completed high school and hoped to pursue electrical work.

Twelve-year-old Kennedy Onyango was shot and killed in Rongai while the protests turned violent. He was reportedly shot eight times after leaving home to pick up a book.

These deaths have led to growing calls for justice and police accountability. Human rights groups, civil society organizations, and international observers have condemned the violence, demanding thorough investigations and accountability for those responsible. Public pressure continues to mount for measures to prevent further loss of life.

Gen Z Lives Lost During June 2024 Anti-Tax Protests in Kenya

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2024’s Proposed Laws That Ignited Outrage

ian — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:51:04 +0000

2024’s Proposed Laws That Ignited Outrage

The Finance Bill, 2024 sparked widespread anger across Kenya, with thousands protesting in various cities, starting on June 18 after its release.

The protests, initially in Nairobi, spread to Mombasa and Eldoret, President William Ruto’s hometown. The Bill, part of Kenya’s 2024/25 budget, proposed increased taxes on goods and services to boost government revenue.

Key proposals included a 16% VAT on bread, higher taxes on mobile money transfers, and a new 2.5% annual tax on vehicles. It also suggested an eco-tax on environmentally harmful products like plastics, packaging, and tires, raising costs for items like nappies, sanitary towels, computers, and phones. Additional taxes were proposed for certain financial services and foreign exchange transactions.

On June 26, President Ruto rejected the Bill, citing public dissatisfaction. He referred it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, now Deputy President, claimed 42 deaths and 1,208 arrests linked to the protests, with 132 missing persons reported.

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During public consultations, 240,000 Kenyans sent memorandums, crashing the Senate’s email system. The Senate received over 200,000 submissions, exceeding its email capacity. Public hearings at KICC in Nairobi also saw hundreds of Kenyans expressing their views.

Senator Samson Cherargei, who sponsored the Bill, faced strong opposition, with over 10,000 messages and 100,000 calls urging him to drop it. The Senate Justice and Legal Affairs Committee recommended against passing the Bill, especially provisions on extending political terms and creating a Prime Minister position.

On June 30, the government withdrew a proposed land levy bill due to legal and constitutional concerns. The National Land Commission criticized it as double taxation.

In September, MP Sabina Chege proposed a law to regulate horticultural crop dealers, which also faced opposition. Other controversial bills, like the Livestock Bill and Mung Bean Bill, raised concerns over additional taxes and registration requirements for farmers, especially small-scale ones. In July, the Livestock Bill was withdrawn for more public consultation.

2024’s Proposed Laws That Ignited Outrage

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Karua Blasts ‘Betrayer’ Raila, Accuses Him of Selling Out Gen Z Protesters to Ruto

ian — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:24:20 +0000

Karua Blasts ‘Betrayer’ Raila, Accuses Him of Selling Out Gen Z Protesters to Ruto

NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has criticized former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, accusing him of betrayal after his controversial move to align with President William Ruto’s administration.

In an interview on NTV, Karua claimed Odinga exploited Gen Z protests to further his political interests.

She argued that the former opposition leader should have stood with the youthful demonstrators but chose instead to back the government.

Karua remarked, “As opposition leaders, we have a duty to Kenyans, especially to the Gen Zs who sacrificed for this country.” She added that she felt betrayed by Odinga’s actions.

Karua also confirmed NARC-Kenya’s exit from the Azimio coalition, citing that some opposition members had become spokespeople for Ruto’s government.

She particularly called out Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho for abandoning their opposition roles.

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“We cannot remain in a coalition that no longer serves the people’s interests. To hold the Ruto regime accountable, we must take a clear stance,” Karua stated.

Addressing her fallout with Odinga, Karua urged him to formalize his partnership with Ruto through a post-election coalition agreement.

“I appeal to my friend Raila Odinga to solidify this alliance with Ruto through a proper political agreement, overseen by the registrar of political parties,” she suggested.

On the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Karua disclosed her disapproval of Gachagua’s actions while in office, including his inaction on the raid at former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm.

However, she emphasized the importance of fairness, asserting that Gachagua deserved a fair hearing despite her reservations about him.

Karua Blasts ‘Betrayer’ Raila, Accuses Him of Selling Out Gen Z Protesters to Ruto

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