Following the most compromised election in the history of Tanzania last year, Samia Suluhu’s comments at the business conference this week were hard-faced, honest and habitual. Sadly, she represents a troubling new breed of politicians who threaten violence against their own youth with disturbing ease.

Kisumu High Court’s 25 March judgment this week, awarding Sh 38.6 million to 28 victims and families, validates their long-ignored cries for justice. It confirms what human rights organisations, opposition politicians, and the media have extensively documented. Police violence during the 2023 “Sufuria” protests was deliberate, excessive, and brutally unlawful. What implications does this ruling have for the victims and the path to reparations and justice for all whose rights are violated while exercising the right to expression and assembly?

With the legal hurdles now cleared, compensation for victims of violent policing during protests is back on the table. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, now affirmed as the constitutional body tasked with delivering the President’s pledge, must define its path and steer clear of new obstacles. 

This week, several people arrested during the June-July protests – including boda boda riders, fisherfolk, politicians, and security officers – were charged in Kenya’s counterterrorism Kahawa Law Courts. The Supreme Council of Muslims (SUPKEM) also released its report on how the criminal justice system responds to religious extremism. While these two events may seem unrelated, SUPKEM’s findings shed light on a worrying trend: the growing use of harsh legal measures to silence dissent.

Tomorrow marks one year since the historic #OccupyParliament protest shook the nation’s conscience. As Kenyans prepare to take to the streets again this June 25th, peacefully and within their constitutional right, it is not just a protest. It is a mirror held up to the National Police Service (NPS), a test of whether it serves the Constitution or cowers to political masters.

Tuesday’s street anarchy in Nairobi had me scrambling for dusty copies of the Commission on Inquiry, Ransley and Kriegler reports on 2007/2008 Post Election Violence. Within 72 hours, key figures accused of coordinating the mayhem had criticised the violence, some instigators had apologised, and several national and international voices had condemned the six hours of carnage. What happened to rapidly de-escalate the situation?

In 2024, Kenya faced a disturbing resurgence of state-led violence, with enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings reaching alarming levels. As captured in the Missing Voices Annual Report 2024, the crackdown on peaceful protests—particularly those led by Gen Z and Millennial activists against the Finance Bill—revealed a government increasingly willing to silence dissent through unlawful force. This report, compiled by a coalition of leading human rights organizations, provides verified data, survivor testimonies, and expert insights into these grave human rights violations. It serves as both a record of injustice and a call to action—for accountability, reform, and justice for all those affected.

· Kenyan authorities have failed to ensure justice for the killing of at least 31 people and other abuses by the police during protests throughout the country from March to July 2023.

· Mamlaka za Kenya zimeshindwa kuhakikisha haki inatendeka kwa mauaji ya watu wasiopungua 31 na ukatili mwingine uliofanywa na polisi wakati wa maandamano kote nchini kuanzia Machi hadi Julai 2023.

Nairobi, 5 November 2024: Amnesty International Kenya, Utu Wetu Trust and the International Justice Mission express disappointment with today’s representation by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the case of baby Samantha Pendo and 60 others whose rights were grossly violated by 12 senior police officers in 2017. Prosecutor Vincent Monda’s application once again, to defer plea-taking due to the absence of a suspect, further delays justice. We welcome the court’s assurance that plea-taking will take place alongside the appearance of Police Inspector General to explain why 12th accused officer Mohamed Baa has not been arrested, on 15 January 2025. 

We express disappointment once again with today’s representation by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the case of baby Samantha Pendo + 60 persons whose rights were grossly violated by 12 senior police officers in 2017. Prosecutor Vincent Monda’s application once again, to defer plea-taking due to the absence of a suspect, further delays justice. We welcome court’s assurance that plea-taking will take place alongside the appearance of Police Inspector General to explain why 12th accused officer Mohamed Baa has not been arrested, on 15 January 2025.

“Orders from above” have just replaced “Forwarded as received” as the three most dangerous words in the English language. Recent events have left me reflecting on the growing danger for state officers in important constitutional offices and our democracy.