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.  

Nairobi, 3 October 2024: The deferring of plea-taking against 12 Police Commanders and Officers accused of killing Baby Pendo and perpetrating several human rights violations against several Kisumu citizens under application by the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions today is a major disappointment to several survivors and victim’s families.

Today, marks three months since the June 25 protest. 12,00O people have signed an Amnesty International petition calling for a Judicial Commission of Enquiry and accountability for the deaths and injuries arising from the use of unlawful police force against protesters in Kenya.

A day before President Ruto launched new terms and conditions for the police, prisons and national youth service on Wednesday this week, Police officers chose to riot and rampage uninvited through the Multi-Media University of Kenya. If the last three months were not enough of a poisoned cup for Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, who assumed office on Thursday, his new appointment could just tarnish four decades of his career if he is not careful.