Multiple local and international organizations have criticized the government for the deaths of demonstrators during nationwide protests last week against the 2024 Finance Bill.
Among these groups are the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International, Kenya Union of Journalists, Kenya Medical Association, and the Bloggers Association of Kenya. They have jointly urged immediate measures to halt the killings and incidents of protester kidnappings.
“Among the fatalities is a 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of violence,” the groups said in a statement.
“Additionally, there have been 627 arrests and 32 abductions, with many detainees being denied access to their families, legal representation and medical assistance.”
Toll on staff
They expressed concern over the recent unrest spanning two weeks, noting its significant impact on their personnel, especially those in medical and emergency services.
Instances of harassment towards lawyers and journalists, including confiscations of cameras, arrests, and intimidation by law enforcement officers, have also been highlighted.
While acknowledging President William Ruto’s appeal for dialogue to address policy issues raised by the youth-led protest movement in Kenya, these organizations emphasized the need for the government to promptly address the grievances of the protesters.
“The Youth for Kenya have clearly spoken on the urgent need for the state to arrest public theft and a bloated Cabinet, act on those who fired upon unarmed protesters, release those arbitrarily arrested and end extrajudicial killings,” the statement noted.
The groups emphasised the need for decisive Executive action instead of lengthy national conversations, arguing that this is essential for restoring public confidence and governance institutions.
