Amnesty Kenya Gazette: April 2024 Issue

Our recent #BreakingChains X (Twitter) Space on 11th April was a rallying cry against the intricate web of socio-economic discrimination. Themed Dismantling Socio-Economic Discrimination, the session was a powerhouse of activism and enlightenment.

Our panellists, Tasline Otieno from the Policy and Research Practitioner in Action Network, Isaiah Onyango, a Civic Educator in Nairobi Eastern and Central Regional Budget Hub, and Nellie Chepkemoi, Vice Chairperson of WeCare CBO, ignited a firestorm of discourse on grassroots solutions to uproot discrimination. They peeled back layers of injustice through personal narratives, offering tangible strategies and piercing insights into systemic inequities.

From confronting gender-based biases to championing universal access to education and healthcare, our speakers emboldened attendees with their fervour and deep expertise. The event was a testament to the power of collective action and the urgency of dismantling oppressive structures.

If you missed this transformative dialogue or wish to relive its enlightening moments, click on the left-hand thumbnail for a recap. Let’s continue breaking chains and forging paths to a more just and equitable world.

In commemoration of the first anniversary of the Sudan War, Amnesty International, in collaboration with the NGO International Film Festival and the Sudan Democracy First Group, hosted a powerful evening of solidarity and fundraising at Noir Gallery in Nairobi on 15th April.

#REMEMBERSUDAN was not just an event; it was a clarion call demanding global solidarity and action against the ongoing conflict in Sudan. It stood as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of justice and accountability for the countless human rights violations and abuses, both recent and historical, inflicted upon the Sudanese people.

Centred around a dynamic panel discussion and an inspiring art exhibition, the event delved deep into the heart of the Sudanese struggle, illuminating the resilience and fortitude of a nation in turmoil. Attendees were immersed in riveting conversations spanning refugee rights, the imperative of international intervention, and the collective responsibility to stand with Sudan in its quest for peace and justice.

Through the sale of captivating Sudanese artwork, #REMEMBERSUDAN not only honoured Sudan’s rich cultural heritage but also generated vital funds for supporting organizations on the ground that provide essential aid to those affected by the ravages of conflict.

We continue to stand with the family of Eugine Mureithi, a 17-year-old form one student whose life was tragically cut short during a violent policing at a protest at his school on 25th July 2023. Our presence and support were palpable as we stood with his family during the inquest hearing at the Chuka Magistrate Court on 18th April, where the circumstances surrounding his untimely death were scrutinized.

The courtroom echoed with the testimonies of three witnesses, shedding light on the events leading to Eugine’s passing. The next hearing, scheduled for 27th June, promises further exploration into this heartbreaking incident. Eugine’s death, a stark contrast to the safety and sanctuary a school should provide, shook us to the core.

The postmortem report painted a grim picture, citing asphyxia as the cause of death alongside severe leg injuries and other telltale signs of brutal assault on his head and body. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Eugine’s grieving family, resolute in our belief that justice will prevail.

Join us in amplifying our demand for #JusticeForEugine by signing the petition and lending your voice to the chorus demanding accountability and justice for this senseless loss. Together, we can ensure that Eugine’s memory serves as a beacon for change and a catalyst for a fairer, safer future for all children.

We are filled with pride as we announce the triumphant reopening of the Nyando Social Justice Center on 19th April. Memories of our previous visit to this Center are etched in stark contrast – the air thick with the scent of burnt ash, the Center itself in ruins, and a palpable sense of despair among the tireless human rights defenders.

Reflecting on that fateful August visit, marked by devastation yet fueled by determination, the Nyando Social Justice Centre and Amnesty International stood united in a pledge to rebuild a stronger and more enduring Social Justice Centre for the benefit of Nyando’s community.

Fast forward, just shy of the first anniversary of the Center’s tragic destruction and a decade of steadfast protection against gender-based violence and other human rights transgressions. The Center stands rejuvenated, poised to resume its vital role in advocating for justice and dignity.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our Sister Section, Amnesty UK, and our dedicated members whose generous contributions facilitated the Center’s reconstruction. To all the unsung heroes, especially under the steadfast leadership of Caren Kiarie, your unwavering faith and commitment are a beacon of hope amidst adversity. A few hours of turmoil shall not erase a decade’s worth of progress.

On Wednesday, 24th April, the Missing Voices Coalition unveiled its much-anticipated Annual Report centred on End Police Impunity. This landmark fourth edition signifies a significant stride for the coalition in meticulously documenting cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

The 2023 Annual Missing Voices Report unravels both concerning patterns and incremental progress in certain spheres.

Key insights from the report

• Reduction in Violations: The report heralds a noteworthy 9.2% decline in extrajudicial killings (from 130 in 2022 to 118 in 2023) and a substantial 54.5% drop in enforced disappearances (from 22 in 2022 to 10 in 2023).
• Victim Demographics: Men remain the primary targets, constituting 94% of extrajudicial killings, with a significant concentration among men aged 19-35.
• Advocacy Impact: The decrease in violations is attributed in part to the relentless advocacy efforts of the Missing Voices coalition, though formidable challenges persist.
• Operational Insights: Most killings occurred during police anti-crime operations, with 58 civilians falling victim to such operations. Anti-riot police actions escalated due to protests against the Finance Bill 2023, resulting in 45 fatalities.
• Methods of Violence: Police shootings continue to dominate, accounting for 113 cases in 2023. Instances of deaths in police custody, physical abuse, and torture were also documented.
• Accountability: Alarmingly, few police officers face repercussions for extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances. Only 5 officers were arrested in 2023, primarily in Gender-Based Violence cases, while 96% of implicated officers remain unaccountable.
• Regional Patterns: Nairobi County topped the list with 46 police-related fatalities, followed by regions like Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Machakos, and Nakuru. Enforced disappearances were notably linked to anti-terrorism operations.
• Lack of Oversight: Despite documented cases, no police officer was arrested for enforced disappearances during the review period, exposing systemic gaps in accountability.

The report serves as a clarion call for urgent reforms and robust accountability mechanisms within law enforcement. It champions the imperative of safeguarding human rights for every citizen.

To access the comprehensive report, click the button below.

Amidst escalating rule-breaking by governments and corporate entities, the launch of the State of the World’s Human Rights 2023/2024 Report at the University of Nairobi became a watershed moment for international law. The alarm bells rang loud as speakers delved into the unsettling realities portrayed within the report’s Global and Kenya sections, unveiling systemic challenges and a mosaic of violations spanning diverse realms.

A glimpse into Kenya’s reality

• Extrajudicial Executions and Enforced Disappearances: The stark figures painted a grim picture – 136 extrajudicial executions and 10 enforced disappearances marked the year. Despite the majority of incidents occurring under the watch of law enforcement, investigations by the government remained insufficient, failing to meet global standards of accountability.
• Freedom of Expression and Assembly: Voices of dissent facing economic hardships and electoral uncertainties were met with brute force, resulting in tragic casualties. At least 57 lives were lost as protests were quelled with excessive measures.
• LGBTI Rights Under Siege: The looming shadow of proposed legislation threatened to criminalize same-sex relations, casting a chilling effect with the spectre of severe penalties, including the death sentence, haunting the LGBTI community.
• Economic Struggles and Social Rights: The Finance Act 2023 was a double-edged sword. It introduced radical taxation reforms while exacerbating the cost of living, amplifying the battle for basic necessities.
• Healthcare Access in Peril: The right to health was further compromised as increased health insurance contributions erected barriers, particularly for financially disadvantaged groups struggling to access essential medical services.
• Environmental Degradation and Food Insecurity: The environment bore the brunt of lifted logging bans and prolonged droughts, fueling a cycle of degradation and food insecurity that disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society.
• Digital Dilemmas: The digitization wave brought about a wave of privacy concerns, culminating in a cyberattack on the government’s digital platform, prompting urgent questions regarding data protection and privacy safeguards.
• Persistent Death Penalty: Despite global trends towards abolition, the spectre of the death penalty loomed large, signalling the pressing need for legislative reforms to realign with fundamental human rights principles.

Excitement fills the air as we unveil the vibrant and dynamic Advocates Circle of Conscience (CoC). Comprising a dedicated team of legal luminaries within the Amnesty Kenya Membership, this powerhouse team stands united in a noble mission: to champion and safeguard the sacred rights of every individual.

We are calling on all lawyers with a heart that beats for justice! The Advocates CoC beckons to you with open arms, inviting you to join our movement. Together, we forge a formidable network of legal minds committed to reshaping the narrative of human rights protection.

Our Circles of Conscience are where passion meets action, where passionate Amnesty members come together to make a meaningful impact. This new coalition unites lawyers from every corner of Kenya, amplifying our collective voice in the fight for human dignity.

Your voice matters, your expertise counts! Embrace the opportunity to be a catalyst for change. Join us today and be a part of a movement that transforms lives and paves the way for a world where all enjoy human rights.

Become a member

As we draw the curtains on this newsletter, we take a moment to remember and celebrate the lives of two extraordinary women: Benna Buluma, fondly known as Mama Victor, and Elder Zarina Patel, who both departed from us in April, leaving behind a legacy of courage and advocacy.

Benna “Mama Victor” Buluma, along with members of her family, tragically lost their lives in the recent flash floods that have swept through Nairobi. Mama Victor’s fearless spirit and relentless pursuit of truth and justice for victims of police brutality have etched a profound imprint on our hearts and minds. Her leadership within the Mothers of Victims and Survivors Network provided solace and strength to families grappling with the aftermath of extrajudicial killings while also amplifying the voices of those demanding accountability and redress.

In the same breath, we bid farewell to Elder Zarina Patel, a revered author and activist whose gentle wisdom guided us through turbulent times. Elder Patel’s wisdom reminds us that surface-level changes to global capitalism, rampant inequalities, and autocratic governance offer no sustainable solutions to the myriad challenges faced by billions worldwide. We can chart a course towards meaningful change through the collective efforts of citizens, social movements, and progressive allies in various spheres.

As we honour the legacies of Mama Victor and Elder Zarina Patel, let us recommit ourselves to their causes and embody the spirit of resilience and determination they exemplified. Their lives may have ended, but their impact continues to resonate, urging us to embrace radical strategies and unwavering determination in our pursuit of progress and justice.