The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) announced that 39 people were killed and 361 injured during the anti-Finance Bill protests that began on June 18, 2024.
The cumulative data provided by KNCHR was recorded from June 18, 2024, to July 1, 2024.
In the Commission’s fourth report released on July 1, KNCHR stated that the demonstrations started peacefully but later turned chaotic leading to the deaths and injuries of the protestors.
“The Commission notes with concern that demonstrations that started as peaceful on the first day, unfortunately turned chaotic on Tuesday 25th June 2024, and after, resulting in several deaths, injury and damage to property,” read part of KNHCR statement.
“Data from our records indicates that thirty-nine (39) people have died and three hundred and sixty-one (361) injured in relation to the protests countrywide.”
KNCHR Record 39 Deaths in 12 Counties
The commission revealed that of the 39 deaths, Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities at 17, followed by Uasin Gishu, where four people were killed.
Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kajiado each recorded the deaths of three protestors, while Kisumu lost two protestors.
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The counties where one protestor died include Laikipia, Narok, Nandi, Kakamega, Siaya, Kisii and Kiambu.
KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said postmortem for most of the victims is yet to be conducted.
The state rights watchdog also indicated that there have been 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protestors.
Furthermore, KNCHR stated that several others are said to have been hiding due to threats on their lives by unknown persons.
“The Commission continues to condemn in the strongest terms possible the unwarranted violence and force that was inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists, and on safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centers and ambulances,” it noted.
“We maintain that the force used against the protestors was excessive, and disproportionate.”
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Also, KNHCR noted that instances of open hostility, threats of violence and actual violence meted on politicians by the public were recorded over the weekend.
The Commission Advises Protestors to be Peaceful
It urged the protesters to conduct themselves within the confines of the law while exercising their right under Article 37 of the Constitution.
The report came at time Gen Z’s have called for fresh protests beginning Tuesday, July 2, despite President William Ruto announcing last week that the Finance bill containing the contentious tax increase would be withdrawn.
In the report, KNHRC boss Odede also condemned the violent and shocking acts of lawlessness exhibited by some of the protesters.
“We recorded the destruction and burning of critical government infrastructure including a National Library and a County Court in Eldoret, the Governor’s Office in Nairobi, and Parliament buildings,” she said.
We also have reports of the wanton destruction of property linked to politicians in Molo, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Embu. Also recorded is the destruction of private property, burning of cars and the breaking into and looting of shops.
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