Amnesty International Says Police Killed 11, Injured 107 During Azimio Demos In Kisumu And Kisii

• Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Medical Association released a report on alleged police brutality in Kisumu and Kisii counties
• According to the findings, 11 people were killed in July during the anti-government demonstrations
• The report released on Friday, August 4, showed police shot indiscriminately at unarmed protesters

Nairobi - A report by Amnesty International has faulted the police over the use of excess force in Kisumu and Kisii counties during the Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests.

A report released on Friday, August 4, by Amnesty International in conjunction with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) revealed that 11 people were killed in the two counties.

"Between July 28-30, 2023, Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Kenya Medical Association visited Kisumu and Kisii Counties. We are saddened to report that preliminary investigations confirm that at least ten people were killed, most suffering bullet wounds and a few cases of blunt-force trauma," the three organisations said.

IPOA asked to investigate brutality during maandamano

The three organisations further revealed that 107 cases of police brutality were reported, with 47 being of gunshot wounds.

"At least One hundred and seven cases of police assault were attended to in various health facilities but with 47 of those being gunshot wounds," the statement started.

The report findings showed that police were shooting indiscriminately at unarmed protesters, including those who had surrendered.

"Initial reports indicate that police shot indiscriminately at unarmed protestors, including those who had surrendered or were running away from the police. In one incident, an unarmed protestor, who served as an eyewitness in an arson incident, was shot and killed by a police officer," the three organisations said.

Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton called upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to urgently conclude investigations into the reported cases of the use of excess force by the police in Kisumu and Kisii Counties.

“Victims and survivors of violent acts by police officers have a constitutional right to life and equal protection before the law. 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,” said Houghton

UNHRC condemns police brutality in Kenya

As earlier reported, the United Nations Human Rights Office also raised concern over the use of excessive force by police during anti-government protests.

In a statement on Friday, July 14, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said they are very concerned by increased violence during the protests.

"The UN Human Rights Office is very concerned by the widespread violence and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during protests in Kenya. Reports say up to 23 people have been killed and dozens injured in the demonstrations in the past week," Laurence said.

Laurence called for a thorough inquiry into the deaths, adding that those found culpable must be held accountable.

He stated that there was a need to have measures that would help prevent further deaths during the protests.

"We call for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted," he said.