50 people killed in Gen-Z protests – KNCHR

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has given a breakdown of the number of people killed during anti-government protests spearheaded by youth, popularly known as millennials and Gen-Zs.

The protests started in mid-June, with calls against the Finance Bill 2024, before reaching fever pitch on June 25th, when youth stormed Parliament in ‘Occupy Parliament’ salvo.

In a signed report on the demonstrations, KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede said 50 Kenyans have died since the protests started, with Nairobi producing 21 victims.

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) provide the list of other victims across the country.

Odede said the number of injured stands at over 400. "The number of the injured in relation to the protests countrywide stands at 413. The Commission urges proper investigations into the killings and injuries. Those found culpable whether civilian or security agents should be charged. In addition, the Commission shall also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses," Odede stated.

"We also call upon His Excellency the President to honour his commitment to respecting the rule of law by issuing a zero-tolerance directive on human rights violations to all the deployed security agencies," she added.

According to the human rights agency, some of the victims succumbed to injuries sustained during the protests while receiving treatment at various medical facilities, while others were found among the debris of the burned Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.

"The number of those arbitrarily arrested is at six hundred and eighty-two (682). We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests."

"The Commission has moved to court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons," Odede said, adding that 59 people have been abducted.

KNCHR urged the Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, 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, while urging protesters to conduct themselves within the confines of the law.