KNCHR report: State on spot over surge in killings, abductions

At least 60 people were killed during the Gen-Z protests in June and July, according to a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The report also revealed that 74 protesters were forcibly disappeared between June and November 2024, with 26 still missing.

The statistics highlight a disturbing trend, compounded by increasing unresolved murder cases involving security agencies.

KNCHR documented 1,376 arbitrary arrests and 610 injuries sustained by protesters, including deep fractures, bullet wounds, soft tissue damage, and tear gas inhalation.

“Most injuries were inflicted by security officers. However, 25 cases of injuries to security officers caused by protesters were also documented,” said KNCHR Vice-Chairperson Raymond Nyeris during the report’s launch.

The State of Human Rights Report 2023/24, released on Wednesday, covered an 18-month period from July 2023 to November 2024.

“The right to life is sacrosanct. Violations were witnessed during the Anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in mid-2024,” said Nyeris.

The report also raised alarm over a surge in femicide, with at least 97 women murdered in the past three months. Nyeris described the brutality of these killings as particularly troubling.

“A shocking case involved the discovery of 10 decomposing female bodies at Kware dumpsite in Nairobi's Mukuru area,” she added, calling for expedited investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Nyeris commended the Inspector-General of Police for acknowledging deaths during the demonstrations and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to pursue charges against implicated officers.

“We continue to witness cruel, degrading, and inhumane treatment of individuals. Graphic videos and photos highlight this trend, risking a return to the dark days of impunity,” she warned.

KNCHR urged the government to criminalise enforced disappearances and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.

The commission reiterated the need to operationalise the National Coroners Service Act, which would establish a legal framework for investigating violent, unexplained deaths.

KNCHR also criticised escalating violence against journalists, with the Media Council of Kenya reporting over 24 cases of injury during the protests.

Additionally, the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) has caused widespread suffering. KNCHR highlighted disruptions to life-saving treatments such as dialysis, cancer therapy, and maternal care.

“Cases of unused hospital equipment in counties are crippling the right to health,” noted Nyeris, adding that out-of-pocket expenses remain a significant burden for many Kenyans.

The government also faced criticism over its New Higher Education Funding Model, which KNCHR argued disadvantages students from poor families.

“The government should strengthen the Higher Education Loans Board instead of introducing a new entity,” Nyeris said, calling for negotiations with striking university lecturers to restore learning.

KNCHR’s report underscores a pressing need for accountability, policy reforms, and stronger protection of human rights across Kenya.