Disturbing Chronicles Of Broken Promises And Human Rights Violations
The Independent Medico-Legal Unit has come out to condemn the current regime for the ignorance of the injured and killed citizens during the 2023 demonstrations called by the opposition.
“On September 13, 2022, Dr. William Samoei Ruto was sworn in as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya. President Ruto assumed office with a solemn pledge to enhance the recognition, promotion, and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Kenyans,”Said IMLU.
“One year later, we gather here on September 14, 2023, to commemorate the first anniversary of President Ruto’s tenure, an opportunity to reflect upon the journey our nation has travelled under his leadership”, Added IMLU.
“Data from our daily monitoring in the last 12 months demonstrate that the government has performed dismally with regard to democratic policing and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms Indeed the freedom of assembly, association, expression and media freedom has faced unprecedented threats,”Said IMLU.
Lead by the Executive Director Peter Kiama,The organisation noted In the past year, they have witnessed a wave of punitive policing during protests, extrajudicial
executions, deaths in custody, deliberate torture of children, interference with investigative authorities, unconstitutional interference of the National Police Service (NPS) and other critical human rights violations.
IMLU noted the majority of victims/survivors were young male adults aged 18-35 years, accounting for 314, while those aged 36-65 years constituted 121, 0-17 years comprised 44, and those over 65 accounted for 3 persons.
“The significant increase in cases of torture and related violations (TRVs), from 232 in the previous year to 482 in the period from October 2022 to August 2023, indicates a failure to curb police abuse of power including excessive, unnecessary, illegal and disproportionate use of force and firearms.
This alarming rise not only shows a lack of progress but also suggests that the situation has worsened,”Said in a press statement.
The Body called upon the President to Recognise and support investigative and oversight institutions including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and IPOA.
Also to establish the Coroner General’s Office which plays a pivotal role in independently investigating reportable deaths to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
The president should establish a special tribunal to investigate and adjudicate cases of gross human rights violations including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture and inhuman treatment.
“The government, must take immediate decisive action to end torture. In light of the statistics, we foresee a resurgence of the dark days when torture was employed as a tool for repression, oppression and infringement of fundamental freedoms,”Said IMLU in a press statement.
However, The IMLU noted and commended the appointment of a senior pathologist citing indeed its a positive development, indicating a commitment to improving the investigation of reportable deaths.
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