The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has demanded the unconditional release of Boniface Ogutu, a Kisumu based human rights defender, and the dropping of all charges levelled against him.
In a statement made on July 29, the KHRC expressed outrage over Ogutu’s arrest and alleged torture by police officers on July 23.
According to the human rights body, Ogutu, who is the convener of the Kisumu Peace and Justice Center, was arrested around 10 am while protesting the bad governance that has weakened the country.
He was initially taken to Kondele police station, but the officer in charge refused to detain him, leading to him being transported to Vihiga police station, where he was allegedly tortured by officers who were also recording the abuse.
“Around noon, four DCI officers in an unmarked green Subaru picked up Ogutu and transported him to Vihiga police station, about 24 kilometers from Kisumu,” read KHRC’s statement in part.
“The officers then proceeded to torture Ogutu, covering his head and recording the abuse on their phones.”
KHRC Narrates what Boniface Ogutu Endured at the Hands of DCI Officers
During his stay at the Vihiga police station, KHRC notes that Ogutu endured severe abuse, including being punched, strangled, and having his finger pierced.
“They punched and strangled him, pierced his index finger, hit his head multiple times, and struck his nose, causing him to bleed and suffer soft tissue injuries.”
KHRC notes that the DCI officers also demanded his phone password in an attempt to silence his advocacy for peaceful protests.
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Following an afternoon of torture, Ogutu was then taken to Mbale Hospital where he received treatment for his wounds and was consequently discharged at 9 pm.
“At 7 pm, Ogutu was taken to Mbale hospital at the behest of the Vihiga OCS and discharged at 9 pm. Attempts to return him to the Vihiga police station failed, so the DCI officers took him to the Railways police station in Kisumu, where he remained overnight without medical attention,” the statement by KHRC further reads.
Boniface Ogutu Presented in Court to Face Charges
Ogutu was then presented in court on July 24 and charged with obstruction but was ordered by magistrate Millicent Nyigei to receive medical attention first before any plea was entered.
“Magistrate Millicent Nyigei ordered that he be taken to the hospital before any plea was entered, and Ogutu was admitted to Kisumu sub-county hospital,” added KHRC.
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The KHRC in their statement demanded that Ogutu receive proper healthcare at the state’s expense and that the four DCI officers who tortured him be held accountable.
The organization also emphasizes that the right to protest is constitutionally protected and must not be suppressed.
Additionally, the KHRC demands an end to all state surveillance, both digital and offline, after Ogutu reported that the DCI officers snooped on his phone and swapped his SIM cards, suspecting ongoing surveillance by the regime.
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