Africa-Press – Kenya. At least eight people lost their lives during demonstrations held across the country to mark the first anniversary of the Gen-Z protests.
This is according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) which alleges that all the fatalities resulted from gunshot wounds.
The commission said the deaths occured in six counties: Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
The KNCHR expressed deep concern over what it described as “continuous violations of human rights and non-adherence to the rule of law by both state agencies and select groups of citizens.”
“The right to life is sacrosanct. We condole with the families of the deceased and urge all actors to respect the sanctity of life,” said the commission vice chairperson Dr Raymond Nyeris.
In addition to the fatalities, the commission reported over 400 casualties, including demonstrators, police officers, and journalists.
While most of the injured were treated and discharged, 83 required specialised treatment, with eight suffering gunshot wounds.
The demonstrations, which took place in at least 23 counties, saw widespread police deployment.
The KNCHR noted allegations of excessive use of force by security agencies, including the deployment of rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons.
“There are credible reports of excessive force, which have resulted in numerous injuries,” the statement read.
The commission also highlighted concerns over the infiltration of protests by criminal elements, leading to violence, looting, and property destruction in several towns.
Furthermore, the KNCHR condemned the directive by the Communications Authority (CA) to halt live media coverage of the protests, calling it a violation of constitutional rights to media freedom and access to information.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on the promotion and protection of human rights in the country during this period,” Dr Nyeris concluded.
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