Overview
Welcome to this special issue of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette, where we reflect on a year that has tested our resolve, strengthened our alliances, and amplified our mission to defend human rights for all. In 2024, we stood at the forefront of pivotal moments in Kenya and beyond—challenging injustices, empowering communities, and advocating for dignity and equality in the face of mounting challenges. From rebuilding hope after tragedy to holding the powerful accountable, we have demonstrated that collective action and unwavering determination can ignite change. This issue captures the essence of our journey, celebrating the milestones we’ve achieved, the lives we’ve touched, and the bold vision we continue to pursue as we stand steadfast in the fight for justice and freedom.
In this issue
- Femicide in Kenya, a National Crisis Demanding Urgent Action
- Gen Z Protests, a Testament of Youth Courage and the Fight for Justice
- Celebratory Moments in 2024
- Our Relentless Pursuit of Justice
- Honouring the Legacies of Courage and Advocacy: Mama Victor and Elder Zarina Patel
ACT NOW
NOT ONE MORE! United Against Femicide in Kenya
Make your voice count, take a stand against femicide.
Femicide in Kenya, a National Crisis Demanding Urgent Action
In 2024, a harrowing reality unfolded in Kenya: 172 women were killed, most by individuals they knew, according to research by the Nation newspaper. In January alone, the country witnessed the brutal murders of 10 women, sparking outrage and galvanising the first of many anti-femicide demonstrations. These protests swept through cities and towns, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Homabay, Kisumu, Kilifi, Nyeri, Busia, and Nakuru, marking a unified outcry against a relentless tide of violence.
Femicide—the targeted killing of women because they are women—is the most heinous manifestation of gender-based violence. It is unacceptable, inexcusable, and must never be normalised. We are compelled to confront this crisis with unflinching resolve.
We applaud the courageous efforts of the #EndFemicideKE movement, whose relentless advocacy has held the government accountable. At great personal risk, these activists have amplified the voices of survivors and victims, demanding expedited investigations, timely prosecutions, and justice for all who have suffered from sexual and gender-based violence. Their work exemplifies the power of collective action in challenging systems that perpetuate impunity.
Some justice, but the journey continues
Amid the grim statistics, there have been notable strides toward justice. The convictions of Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, for the 2018 murder of Monica Kimani and Patrick Naweet for the killing of Elizabeth Ekaru underscore the possibility of accountability when genuine commitment prevails. These judgments, although long overdue, highlight the urgent need to classify femicide as a distinct and serious offence within Kenya’s legal framework.
Amnesty Kenya firmly supports the call for the prioritisation of femicide investigations and swift action against perpetrators. Justice must not be a privilege; it is a right. Every case of femicide must send an unequivocal message: violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in our society.
Beyond justice, a call for legislative action
While justice for victims is paramount, prevention remains our ultimate goal. To this end, we echo the call for legislation that establishes femicide as a stand-alone crime under Kenyan law. Such legal recognition will ensure a more robust response to this specific form of violence, including stricter penalties and enhanced protections for women and girls.
Amnesty Kenya stands in solidarity with survivors, activists, and supporters. Together, we must amplify our collective voices to end the scourge of femicide and all forms of gender-based violence. We envision a society where women and girls are safe, valued, and free to thrive without fear of violence.
Gen Z Protests, a Testament of Youth Courage and the Fight for Justice
The youth-led June/July demonstrations, widely known as the Gen Z Protests, marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s struggle for justice and accountability. Sparked by a call to Members of Parliament (MPs) to reject the punitive Finance Bill 2024, these protests voiced widespread outrage at proposed measures that threatened to push an already burdened populace deeper into economic despair.
The Finance Bill 2024 sought to impose a heavier tax burden on essential aspects of daily life, from food to transportation, communication, and banking services. Through the Okua Uchumi Coalition, we raised the following concerns based on the government’s glaring failure to address revenue leakages through corruption, illicit trade, and money laundering—issues that drain an estimated KSh. 608 billion annually. This staggering loss undermines public trust, fuels inequality, and stifles economic stability.
The Finance Bill 2024 proposed measures that would have exacerbated economic hardships and infringed on constitutional rights, including:
- Exempting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from the Data Protection Act, threatening the right to privacy and potentially enabling surveillance for taxation purposes.
- Removing VAT zero-rating on essential items like bread and milk would violate the right to food and make these staples unaffordable for millions.
- Introducing a 2.5% motor vehicle tax would disproportionately impact low—and middle-income earners while sparing wealthier individuals.
- Raising excise duty on telephone and internet services contradicts the government’s commitment to digital advancement and limits access to information, education, and communication.
Despite these concerns and nationwide outcry, MPs ignored public pleas, forcing demonstrators to storm Parliament on June 25th in a historic act of defiance. This courageous action compelled the President to withdraw the Bill, marking a significant victory for the movement.
A movement that evolved into a national demand for reforms
The protests, which began in Nairobi, quickly spread to 44 counties, evolving into a broader demand for systemic government reforms. The demonstrations remained largely peaceful, but the state responded with excessive force, violating the rights of citizens to freedom of expression and assembly.
The police deployed live and rubber bullets, water cannons, tear gas, and batons against unarmed protesters. Arbitrary arrests, abductions of alleged protest organizers, and brutal crackdowns became routine. The human toll was devastating: 60 deaths, over 413 injuries, 689 arbitrary arrests and over 59 enforced disappearances.
With support from the Amnesty International Regional Office for East and Southern Africa, mass associations of doctors, lawyers, and human rights defenders, we led efforts to protect the rights of peaceful protesters and resist state repression. Under the #ProtectTheProtest campaign, we trained and deployed observers in over 10 counties where it was safe to do so.
We issued over 10 statements and op-eds condemning police brutality, enforced disappearances, and the deployment of military forces. We amplified these issues through local and international media, mobilising public and global attention to the plight of protesters.
Seeking justice and accountability
Our global movement has rallied behind a petition demanding the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the state’s response to the protests. In collaboration with the International Secretariat’s Crisis Evidence Lab, the Regional Office, and six key human rights, legal, and medical associations, including Amnesty Kenya, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the events of June 25th.
Our findings, titled: 25 June 2024: End Police Use of Unlawful Force, Time for Accountability and Justice, released three months later, exposed the extent of police brutality. The report documented widespread human rights violations based on interviews with 23 eyewitnesses, lawyers, and medical professionals, alongside the analysis of over 45 videos and 100 photographs. These findings stand as a testament to the resilience of protesters and the urgent need for accountability.
We honour the courage of Kenya’s youth who stood firm against punitive policies and state repression, risking their lives to demand justice and equity. We remember those who were killed, abducted, arbitrarily arrested, or remain missing. Their sacrifice underscores the enduring fight for a fairer, more just Kenya.
The Gen Z Protests are a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Kenya’s youth. Their voices have echoed across the nation, inspiring a collective call for justice, accountability, and systemic change. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s history—one where the people’s rights and dignity are upheld above all else.
ACT NOW
Kenya: Security services must respect fundamental rights during nationwide protests
Amnesty International reminds the law enforcement and military officials of the 28 June 2024 High Court ruling in Malindi, which issued temporary orders preventing security agencies from using lethal and other less-lethal ammunition
Celebratory Moments in 2024
The year was not all gloom. On 19th April 2024, we celebrated an extraordinary milestone—the Nyando Social Justice Center relaunch! This moment of triumph stands in stark contrast to the devastation we witnessed in August 2023, when the Center lay in ruins, its walls charred, and its defenders disheartened. We made a promise then—a promise to rebuild not just a structure but a stronger, enduring beacon of justice for the Nyando community. Fast forward to this joyous occasion: just shy of the first anniversary of the Center’s destruction and marking a decade of unwavering advocacy against gender-based violence and human rights violations, the Center has risen, rejuvenated, and ready to serve once more. We extend our deepest gratitude to Amnesty UK, our members, and the unsung heroes whose contributions made this possible. To Caren Kiarie and her steadfast team, your courage and commitment are a shining example that a few hours of turmoil cannot erase a decade of progress.
In July 2024, we hosted two transformative Digital Rights Festivals in the Western region, sparking a movement among over 2,000 high school students to champion the Right to Privacy for children and youth. These festivals showcased the brilliance and creativity of the next generation through impactful artwork, poetry, and plays on digital rights. Special recognition was given to essay competition winners Dorcas Nyamwaya and Dekel Baraka Okelo, whose powerful words underscored the importance of protecting privacy in the digital age. These festivals were more than events—they were a resounding call to action for a future where digital rights are safeguarded for all.
Our Third Annual Delegates Conference, held in August 2024, was an inspiring gathering of 121 delegates representing 74 Circles of Conscience across 15 counties. Under the dynamic leadership of Onesmus Mosoti, the conference ignited discussions on Gen Z-led protests and digital activism, showcasing the transformative power of youth in driving social change. Delegates reviewed and approved pivotal reports from the Secretariat, Board Chairperson, and Treasurer, while also endorsing the 2025 Plan and Budget. They debated and voted on five key motions, including new membership categories and adjusted timelines for the ADC Prep Committee. The conference also featured elections, with Anthony Akolo Etemesi and Hussein Khalid joining the board, and Kenneth Okoth and Zaria Gikonyo taking up roles in the Preparatory and Nominations Committees, respectively. Board Chairperson Dr. Stellah Bosire reaffirmed our shared commitment to championing human rights, urging all delegates to remain united and resilient as we forge ahead.
We proudly celebrated the literary legacies of Kenyan writers Micere Githae Mugo and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, honouring their profound contributions to freedom and human rights. Through this celebration, we also mobilized Kenyans to contribute towards equipping public resource centres with books, raising over KES 400,000 from individual donors like you and me. This initiative not only enriched access to literature but also reinforced the spirit of collective action and generosity.
Our Relentless Pursuit of Justice
We remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for Yassin Moyo, Eugine Mureithi, Baby Samantha Pendo, and countless other victims whose lives were tragically cut short. This year has seen pivotal moments in our fight against impunity and accountability in Kenya’s justice system.
After three years of unwavering solidarity with the family of Elizabeth Ekaru, the Meru High Court delivered a landmark ruling. Hon. Justice Edward Muriithi found Patrick Naweet guilty of the brutal murder of Ekaru, a courageous Isiolo-based woman human rights defender. Her senseless killing is a stark reminder of the persistent epidemic of femicides that continues to plague Kenya. This conviction not only honours Ekaru’s memory but also sends a powerful message that the lives of women and defenders of justice cannot be extinguished without consequence.
In a further demonstration of solidarity, we joined the family of Eugine Mureithi (17) at the Chuka Magistrates Court for the inquest hearing investigating his tragic death. Eugine lost his life on 25 July 2023 following a police operation at Kajiunduthi Secondary School in Tharaka Nithi County during the maandamano protests.
In a long-overdue step forward, the murder trial of Yassin Moyo has finally commenced—four years after the young teenager was tragically shot while standing on his balcony in Mathare on March 30, 2020. Witnesses have taken the stand in the trial of police officer Duncan Ndiema, also known as Champe, who is charged with Yassin’s killing. Their testimonies have been heart-wrenching, recounting the moment Yassin cried out to his mother that he had been shot, and their frantic, yet unsuccessful attempts to save his life. This trial represents a glimmer of hope for accountability in a case that has exemplified the excruciating wait for justice for victims of police violence.
The year also marked a significant breakthrough in the fight for justice for Baby Samantha Pendo. A High Court ruling held 11 police commanders and officers accountable for their roles in the 2017 post-election violence, including the brutal killing of Baby Pendo. The officers now face 47 grave charges, including crimes against humanity such as murder, torture, and rape. This judgment is a monumental step—not only for Baby Pendo’s family but for all victims of state-perpetrated violence. However, the pursuit of justice remains fraught with challenges. The accused officers are yet to take their plea, as the Director of Public Prosecutions has twice sought to defer the plea-taking, citing the absence of key suspects. These delays only deepen the anguish of families who have already endured years of pain and heartbreak.
ACT NOW
Justice for Eugine
Eugine was an only child. He was killed during violent policing of a school unrest. He died in a place where he should have felt safe
Honouring the Legacies of Courage and Advocacy: Mama Victor and Elder Zarina Patel
As we close this newsletter, we pause to honor and celebrate the remarkable lives of two extraordinary women: Benna Buluma, affectionately known as Mama Victor, and Elder Zarina Patel. Both departed from us in April, leaving behind an enduring legacy of courage, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Benna “Mama Victor” Buluma and members of her family tragically perished in the devastating flash floods that swept through Nairobi. Mama Victor was a fearless advocate, a relentless seeker of justice for victims of police brutality, and a pillar of strength for those navigating the aftermath of extrajudicial killings. Through her leadership in the Mothers of Victims and Survivors Network, she brought solace to grieving families and amplified the voices demanding accountability and redress. Her indomitable spirit remains an inspiration, a call to action for all of us to continue her work.
We also bid farewell to Elder Zarina Patel, a celebrated author and activist whose quiet yet powerful wisdom provided guidance through turbulent times. Elder Patel’s incisive critique of global capitalism, social inequities, and autocratic governance remains a beacon for change. She reminded us that surface-level reforms are insufficient; it is through the united efforts of citizens, social movements, and progressive allies that we can forge paths to sustainable, meaningful change.
As we honor the profound legacies of Mama Victor and Elder Zarina Patel, let us recommit ourselves to the causes they championed. Their lives may have come to an end, but their impact endures, urging us to pursue justice with radical strategies, unyielding resilience, and the same determination they exemplified. May their memories inspire us to continue the work they so passionately dedicated their lives to.
Reports we Launched in 2024
- Unchecked Injustice: Kenya’s Suppression of the 2023 Anti-Government Protests
- CTRL + SPEAK: A Human Rights Magazine for Human Rights Friendly Schools
- Quarter Three Discrimination Index: Community Perspectives on Discrimination
- Kenya: 25 June 2024: End Police Use of Unlawful Force, Time for Accountability and Justice
- AIK Perception Study Report: Ready or Not? Citizens’ Perspectives on Maisha Namba
- Human is My ID Quarter 2 Discrimination Index
- Death sentences and executions in 2023
- AI Report 2023/24: The State of the World’s Human Rights
- Missing Voices 2023 Annual Report: End Police Impunity
- Human is My ID Quarter 1 Discrimination Index
- OUT NOW: Advisory Policy Paper on implementation of a Rights Respecting Digital ID in Kenya
The events of this year underscore the urgent need to strengthen Kenya’s justice system to ensure swift accountability for human rights violations. As we press on, we honour the memories of these victims by amplifying the call for truth, justice, and an end to impunity. Together, we will ensure that the voices of the silenced are never forgotten, and their legacies drive the fight for a just society.
As we conclude this special issue of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette, we reflect on what has been an eventful and transformative year in the human rights movement, both locally and globally. In 2024, we stood firm against the refoulement of Turkish refugees, forged powerful alliances, and remained steadfast in our unwavering fight to protect and uphold human rights for all.
This issue captures only a fraction of our collective efforts this year. For a deeper dive into the breadth of our work in 2024, we encourage you to review the recommendations outlined below, which provide further insights into our mission-driven initiatives and impact.
To our incredible Amnesty International Kenya members and supporters, your trust, solidarity, and contributions make all of this possible. We are deeply grateful for your continued support. To the Amnesty Kenya Board, thank you for your wise oversight and steadfast direction that keep us on course. To our dedicated staff, your selfless commitment to protecting human rights inspires us all. Your resilience and passion have been the backbone of our achievements.
As we close the chapter on 2024, we look ahead to 2025 with renewed enthusiasm and determination. The road ahead may be challenging, but together, we will continue to champion justice, equality, and dignity for all. Here’s to another year of making history in the fight for human rights!
