The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented 50 deaths and 430 injuries since the beginning of anti-tax protests on June 18.
Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 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).
“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,” KNCHR said in a statement issued Tuesday.
The Commission called for proper investigations into the fatalities saying that those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged.
KNCHR further revealed that 59 people have been abducted or reported missing while 682 others have been subjected to arbitrary arrests.
“We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests,” said KNCHR Chairperson Catherine Odede,
The commission 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.
Meanwhile, the commission commenced independent investigations into the Mukuru Kwa Njenga killings where 10 bodies have been recovered at the Kware dumpsite.
“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.”
