By Treezer Michelle Atieno
A group of human rights organizations, led by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and
the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), will release a report revealing
the number of protesters who were killed due to police violence during the anti-
finance bill demonstration.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo disputed President William Ruto's claim that only
six people had died during the protests, which occurred in 35 out of 47 counties.
On June 26, 2024, the President announced that six people had died and 214
people had been injured, with 95 already treated and released from various
hospitals, contradicting reports that more than 20 people had been confirmed dead.
"We will not allow any of the numbers to be ignored. We will work with other
human rights groups and doctors to compile the number of deaths, so that we can
present the report to IPOA and the public," said Odhiambo.
The lawyers' association stated that it will sue Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure
Kindiki, Inspector General Japhet Koome, and regional security commanders
responsible for the deaths of Kenyans during the protests.
Odhiambo condemned reported cases of abductions and questioned why the
government was carrying out extrajudicial killings in the country, expressing
concerns about arrests without communication.
"You can't fake these things. The government must be held accountable for each
drop of blood shed in relation to the finance bill," she stated.
The LSK President is seeking an order to compel the Attorney General to release
the actual figures on the number of Kenyans who died to IPOA, while also
embarking on a fact-finding mission to determine the number of Kenyans who died
during the demonstrations.
"The Attorney General should provide the numbers to IPOA because he is the
government's advisor. He should provide the actual figure, or we will challenge
them with our numbers," Odhiambo asserted.
The Finance Bill 2024, which was passed by MPs on Tuesday, has sparked
widespread outrage, especially among Kenya's youth, who feel disproportionately
burdened by the proposed tax increases.
Nationwide protests have erupted, with demonstrators calling for the rejection of
the bill, arguing that it will worsen the economic hardships faced by ordinary
Kenyans.
On Thursday, President William Ruto succumbed to pressure and withdrew the Bill
in response to the calls from Kenyans. This move sparked widespread outrage,
particularly among Kenya's youth, who protested nationwide, calling for the
rejection of the bill and arguing that it will worsen the economic hardships faced by
ordinary Kenyans.
However, protests have continued in some parts of the country, including Nairobi,
where the Kenya Defence Forces have been deployed to reinforce security plans.
On Friday, the High Court prohibited the National Police Service (NPS) from using
excessive force during protests.
In a ruling issued by Justice Mugure Thande, the police have been prohibited from
using water cannons, tear gas, live ammunition, rubber bullets, or any other harsh
measures against protesters.
The ruling came as a result of a petition filed by lawyer Saitabao Ole Kanchory.
"I find that the petitioner has demonstrated that the petition is arguable and not
frivolous. He has further demonstrated that it is in the public interest for the
requested orders to be granted," ruled Justice Thande.
Justice Thande further ruled that the police should not use excessive force or
violence against protesters.
Additionally, the court issued an order prohibiting the police from committing
extrajudicial killings, making arrests, abductions, detentions, harassment,
intimidation, torture, or any cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of protesters.
