Kenya: KNCHR Decries Surge In Human Rights Violations

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed concern over the rise of human rights violations and lack of respect for the law in the country.

In a statement, KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said the commission has witnessed disregard for human rights principles by security officers and rogue demonstrators during anti-government protests.

The commission highlighted recent terrible instances in the country, labelling them savage and sad. The incidents include torturing harmless citizens and tear-gassing residences and schools by security officers.

“We received reports of torture and abuse, wanton beating of persons even after surrender, indiscriminate tear-gassing of residences and schools. There have been heart-rending images on mainstream media and social media platforms, clearly showing the involvement of uniformed police officers in the wanton and brutal attack of defenseless members of the public,” said the commission.

KNCHR reported instances of delayed and denied justice for those arrested during demonstrations, including the denial of bail at the point of arrest as provided by the Kenyan Constitution.

The commission also raised concerns over the behaviours of police and security agents of breaking into homes to arrest the alleged suspects and disrespect to Judiciary precincts contrary to the constitution.

On July 21, police officers were spotted roughing up journalists at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi during the arraignment of MP Babu Owino.

Manhandling of residents and media within court premises, according to the KNCHR, breaches the principles of separation of powers and undermines the rule of law.

Another problem mentioned by the commission is the reported kidnapping of persons who disagree with the government by security officials.

According to KNCHR, abduction of those with different opinions violates fundamental human rights and erodes trust between the state and the citizen.

Roseline-Odede led commission further stated the assault and arbitrary arrest of human rights defenders and harassment of special and vulnerable interest groups, including children, women, the elderly and people with disability.

“It was disheartening to see tear-gas lobbed into schools, an old lady beaten up by a police man, mothers with babies running of their houses after their residences were tear-gassed and a woman In a wheelchair being beaten up,” added the commission.

Roseline stated that the commission had received accusations of suspected abuse of children, some of whom were also being held at Nairobi's Industrial Area Remand Prison. She condemned the acts and demanded the release of kids detained by police.

The commission also expressed worry over allegations that numerous people are nursing injuries at home for fear of being arrested if they seek medical attention.

To halt all these unfortunate instances, the commission has urged the government and the opposition to engage in structured discussion to protect the rule of law and human rights.

It has also demanded that perpetrators of torture and other human rights crimes be investigated and prosecuted.

The KNCHR also requested that security officers to execute arrests and dispersal operations lawfully and respectfully.

It also wants the government to safeguard and support the judiciary, allowing people and journalists to use their right to free expression and access to information without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

The commission demands comprehensive and open investigations into claims of abductions and security agency infiltration in the media circles for the goal of arresting protestors.

Additionally, it wants human rights defenders to be protected from assault and arbitrary arrests and special interest groups and vulnerable populations to be protected from violence and harassment.