The last day of 2024 saw the national crisis over the enforced disappearances of young citizens unfold dramatically in three courts, watched by millions. As the second week ends with no sign of their release, what might be the climax of this Kenyan tragedy? Spoiler Alert.
After the Foreign Affairs Secretary’s recent comments, I interrupted myself from calling Governor Waiguru to request special protection as I travelled to Kirinyaga county this week. The Kenya Government’s response to the kidnapping, cross border transportation and arraignment of Dr. Kizza Besigye, remains unsatisfactory. What does this incident, the latest in a pattern of recent transnational repression, tell us about our national sovereignty under Kenya Kwanza?
Despite a decade of disinformation and double speak, I remain committed to the power of data and evidence-based arguments. In this spirit, I welcomed the presence of the Police Inspector General before Parliament this week to submit statistics on abductions and missing persons. Delving deeper, what does it tell us about the recent abductions of protesters and other crimes?
Nairobi, 21 October 2024: The Police Reforms Working Group is shocked by the Government of Kenya’s admission that Kenyan law enforcement and foreign affairs agencies played a role in the refoulement and forced return of Mustafa Genç, Öztürk Uzun, Alparslan Taşçı, and Hüseyin Yeşilsu, four Turkish nationals from Kenya to Turkey.
Nairobi, 19 October 2024: Amnesty International Kenya is deeply alarmed by the abduction of seven Turkish asylum seekers on October 18, 2024, in Nairobi. The individuals—Mustafa Genç, his son Abdullah Genç, Hüseyin Yeşilsu, Necdet Seyitoğlu, Öztürk Uzun, Alparslan Taşçı, and his wife Saadet Taşçı were reportedly kidnapped by unknown individuals. While Abdullah Genç, Necdet Seyitoğlu, and Saadet Taşçı have been reportedly released, Öztürk Uzun, Alparslan Taşçı, and Hüseyin Yeşilsu remain missing and are at grave risk of refoulement – a serious violation of international law.
Four commissions submitted their end-term performance reports to the President this week. The moment offers both citizens and state officers an opportunity to reflect on how well they have discharged their respective accountability, advisory and advocacy mandates.
Ten years after the passing of the 2010 constitution, one in two Kenyans still believed that there was no equality under the law. The Director of Public Prosecutions’ statement this week that there is not enough evidence to charge a single police officer after several public violent incidents further damaged the reputation of the authorities charged with investigating and overseeing police excesses. Can we expect any difference from the new police leadership nominated this week?
As the sun sets over the bustling streets of Dakar, delegates from across the African and Middle Eastern regions gather at the Amnesty International regional forum; their voices echo a shared commitment to uphold human rights amidst myriad challenges. Against the backdrop of conflict, displacement, and authoritarianism, the forum serves as a beacon of hope, uniting advocates and activists in a collective pursuit of justice.
Benna Buluma was not killed by raging floods. The Mathare based leader was killed by the lack of dignified housing, urban planning and misgovernance. This and the recent release of the global state of human rights report must trigger us to rethink how to future proof Kenya, Africa, and the world.
The 2023 Annual Missing Voices Report sheds light on the persisting issue of police impunity in Kenya, revealing both concerning trends and slight improvements in certain areas.
Wednesday, 24th April 2024. Today, the Missing Voices Coalition launches its 2023 Annual Report. This is the fourth report and a great milestone for the Coalition. The theme of the 2023 report is “End Police Impunity.”
UPDATE ON THE POLICE SERGEANT AHMED RASHID IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE FOR JAMAL MOHAMED AND MOHAMED DAHIR KHERI