State security agencies top human rights violations, claims KNCHR
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) findings have revealed that State security agencies top in human rights violations, which resulted in 10 deaths and 87 torture cases in the last three months.
The commision, in a report dubbed ‘Pain and Pandemic’ unmasking the State of Human Rights in Kenya in containment of Covid-19, recorded 222 complaints ranging on civil, political, economic and social rights.
“We have seen a surge in the violations of human rights during this Coronavirus period and unfortunately, government security agencies are leading in breaking the law,” said KNCHR Chief Executive Officer Bernard Mogesa.
Out of 222 complaint cases, State security agencies recorded 91 (40 per cent) mostly killings, the right to be free from torture and other inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.
“KNCHR documented 10 cases of death and 87 on torture during the enforcement exercise,” part of the report stated.
KNCHR Director Ann Marie, the law enforcement officers’ use of force to enforce the Covid-19 curfew and directives was excessive, arbitrary and unjustified.
“In addition, it was unlawful since it was against the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and precaution,” she said.
In the State security agencies, Kenya Police Service is leading with 54 cases, Administration Police (23), General Service Unit (8), Area Chief (4), Assistant County commissioner (1) and Kenya Prisons Service (1).
The report highlighted Matuga, Kwale County killing of a bodaboda rider who was allegedly assaulted by police officers after ferrying an expectant mother to hospital during the curfew hours and later died.
