According to a new Amnesty International report, approximately 11 people were killed during anti-government protests in Kisumu and Kisii counties a fortnight ago.
The report’s findings, released on Friday in collaboration with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), show that police used excessive force to disperse protestors during the riots.
“Between 28-30 July 2023, Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Medical Association visited Kisumu and Kisii Counties,” the three organisations noted in a joint statement.
“We are saddened to report that preliminary investigations confirm that at least eleven people were killed, most suffering bullet wounds and a few cases of blunt-force trauma.”
The findings of the report also revealed that 107 police assault cases were recorded in the two regions during the period, with 47 of these being gunshot related.
“Initial reports indicate that police shot indiscriminately at unarmed protestors, including those who had surrendered or were running away from the police,” the statement added.
“In one incident, an unarmed protestor, who served as an eyewitness in an arson incident, was shot and killed by a police officer.”
According to the three bodies, the state should ensure the safety of families and victims who have yet to report violations due to fear of intimidation or re-victimization at police stations.
Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton has since urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged cases of police killing Kenyans due to excessive force.
“Victims and survivors of violent acts by police officers have a constitutional right to life and equal protection before the law,” he said.
“These violations must not go unresolved. Police officers found culpable of using excess force must face a court of law and answer to these charges alongside their commanding officers.”
