The United States government expressed concern over the deterioration in Kenya’s human rights situation in 2024.
It cited claims of unlawful killings, disappearances, torture, and restrictions on media freedoms.
In its latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the U.S. Department of State said the Kenyan government committed numerous abuses during youth-led ‘Gen Z’ protests in June and July 2024 against proposed tax increases.
“Kenya experienced a deterioration in the human rights situation during the year.”
“In response to nationwide protests in June and July, authorities reportedly committed numerous abuses, including unlawful killings, physical violence, and arbitrary arrests and detentions,” the report says.
Kenya is yet to respond to the report.
The U.S. State Department report also detailed cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions of protesters and dissidents, enforced disappearances, and the use of hooded, masked officers in civilian clothes during operations.
This is despite the High Court last year barring the police from wearing civilian clothes, masks, and concealing their faces during protests.
In December 2024, KNCHR reported 82 cases of abductions or enforced disappearances since June, with 29 people still missing.
“Those released stated they were warned by individuals believed to be police officers not to post protest-related content on social media,” the U.S. report says, further pointing out prolonged detention without charges of those arrested.
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