The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reveals that 50 people have lost their lives, and at least 413 others have been injured across Kenya since the beginning of the anti-finance bill protests on June 18, 2024.

KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede stated that the victims included 21 people from Nairobi.

Others were: Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1), and Bungoma (1).

PHOTO | COURTESY Protesters

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KNHCR further stated that some of the victims died from injuries acquired during the demonstrations while seeking care at various medical institutions.

"The number of the injured in relation to the protests countrywide stands at four hundred and thirteen. The Commission urges proper investigations into the killings and injuries. Those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged. In addition, the Commission shall also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses," Odede said.

"We also call upon His Excellency the President to honour his commitment to respecting the rule of law by issuing a zero tolerance directive on human rights violations to all the deployed security agencies."

PHOTO | COURTESY Protesters

KNHCR urged Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite investigations and prosecutions of all individuals, including police officers found to have committed human rights violations while policing the demonstrations.

Following that, the KNHCR urged protestors participating in the demonstrations to follow the law while requesting that police provide them with legal security.

"This right comes with the responsibility of exercising it when peaceful and unarmed. Any departure from these minimum standards negates this right. The Commission will be closely monitoring compliance to these Constitutional and statutory obligations," said Odede.