KNCHR decries escalating human rights violations, urges IPOA to address brutality, abductions

KNCHR decries escalating human rights violations, urges IPOA to address brutality, abductions

The KNCHR's statement highlights several troubling incidents, including enforced disappearances, police brutality, and attacks on human rights defenders, which it argues threaten the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of human rights violations across the country, calling for immediate action to address the crisis.

The commission highlighted the arrest of Grace Mulei Njoki, the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman, and the murder of Raymond Otieno, an activist as recent cases of human rights violations.

The Commission has urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to prioritise the investigation into the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo and provide the public with timely updates.

The KNCHR's statement highlights several troubling incidents, including enforced disappearances, police brutality, and attacks on human rights defenders, which it argues threaten the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

"The Commission calls for urgent action to address these human rights violations and abuses of fundamental freedoms, as they strike at the very heart of the constitutional values and rights guaranteed to all Kenyans," said KNCHR.

One of the most concerning cases is the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman from Nakuru, who was allegedly detained by individuals suspected to be law enforcement officers.

The KNCHR emphasised that this violates Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal freedom and security.

The Commission has called on the relevant authorities to prioritise Odhiambo's case and ensure transparency in the investigation.

In addition, KNCHR condemned the excessive use of force by police during a peaceful protest at Kimathi Secondary and Primary schools in Nakuru East.

Officers lobbed tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating over Odhiambo's disappearance, putting students and teachers at risk. The Commission has called for an investigation into this incident and accountability for those responsible.

The Commission also condemned the killing of human rights defender Richard Raymond Otieno in Elburgon, Molo Sub-County, on January 19, 2025.

It called for swift justice and urged the government to put in place stronger protections for human rights defenders.

KNCHR also criticised the arrest of Grace Njoki, a social justice advocate, who was detained for demanding better public health services.

The Commission called for her immediate release and urged the Ministry of Health to address the concerns she raised.

"Njoki's actions are a legitimate exercise of her constitutional right to freedom of expression and the right to petition public authorities, and her detention undermines democracy and accountability," said the Commission.

The Commission, along with other groups, demanded her release and called on the Ministry of Health to address the serious issues she raised concerning the public health sector.

In light of these violations, KNCHR has called for investigations, enhanced protection for human rights defenders, an end to police brutality, and meaningful dialogue between the government and citizens.

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