Kenya Human Rights Commission Demands Charges Against Human Rights Defender Boniface Ogutu Be Dropped

By Samuel Ouma

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has strongly called for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defender Boniface Ogutu, who faces obstruction charges after protesting against poor governance in Kenya.

Ogutu, the convener of the Kisumu Peace and Justice Center, was arrested on July 23 in Kisumu during a peaceful protest.

According to reports, Ogutu was initially taken to Kondele police station, where the officer in charge refused to detain him.

He was then transported by four Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)officers in an unmarked vehicle to Vihiga police station, 24 kilometres from Kisumu.

 During the transfer, Ogutu was subjected to severe torture, including being punched, strangled, and pierced, resulting in multiple injuries.

KHRC has condemned the treatment of Ogutu, stating that the officers responsible for his torture must be held accountable.

 " The four DCI officers who tortured him must be held accountable,” said KHRC.

The organization also highlighted the infringement of Ogutu's right to protest, protected under the Kenyan constitution.

"The right to protest is a fundamental constitutional right that should not be suppressed. Boniface Ogutu was exercising his democratic right to demand good governance,” added the commission.

On the day of his arrest, Ogutu was taken to Mbale Hospital for medical attention but did not receive adequate care. He was then held overnight at Railways police station in Kisumu without further medical assistance.

The following day, Ogutu appeared in court. Magistrate Millicent Nyigei ordered that he be taken to the hospital before entering any plea. He is currently admitted to Kisumu sub-county hospital.

KHRC has demanded that all charges against Ogutu be dropped and that he receive proper healthcare at the state's expense.

Additionally, KHRC has raised concerns about the state surveillance Ogutu faced, including the snooping on his phone and swapping of his SIM cards by DCI officers.

The organization has called for an end to all forms of state surveillance, both digital and offline, as it violates the privacy rights of individuals.