KNCHR: 60 people were killed during anti-Finance Bill protests

At least 60 people were killed during the anti-Finance Bill, 2024 protests, the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) has said.

KNCHR said in its report that 610 demonstrators were injured and that 74 cases of abduction were reported 

The rights group further said that 1,376 arbitrary arrests were reported during that period where 26 people are still missing in the period between June and November 2024.

The commission also noted the unprecedented surge in femicide cases with 97 having been reported in the last three(3) months, according to National Police Service (NPS).

"During the anti-finance Bill demonstrations, names, contacts, and locations of people were displayed without consent involved," noted KNCHR report for period July 2023 to November 2024.

KNCHR also noted that the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) reported 24 cases of journalists injured, and harassed while in line of duty during the anti-finance Bill protests.

On the Shakahola incident, KNCHR documented 448 deaths while recorded statement indicating 600 people are still missing with only less than 10 percent bodies having been identified and handed to their families.

KNCHR further condemned the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kissa Besigye who was later on deported to Kampala, Uganda after being arrested.

“We condemn any form of abduction of those people who seek asylum in our country. In relation to that matter, we take exception and as a commission working in liaison with other human rights institutions especially our sister commission in Uganda, we’ll get in touch so that we see how we can ensure our region is in compliance with human rights obligations,”said Raymond Nyeris, Vice Chairperson - KNCHR