Kenya witnessed a series of unprecedented peaceful protests on June 18th , 20th,25th and 28th 2024, led predominantly by the youth, known as Gen Z, who voiced their opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024-2025. The demonstrations, which began in Nairobi, quickly spread to 35 counties namely Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Meru, Laikipia, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Homabay, Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Narok, West Pokot, Kajiado, Kwale, Tana River, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Machakos, Garissa, Marsabit.
Despite threats from Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei that no protests would be “allowed” in the city, thousands gathered to express their discontent. Bungei dismissed any plans for protests, citing the absence of a formal application for a permit, a requirement not mandated by law. He claimed that the police received a faulty document dated from the previous year, which did not meet the protest notification threshold.
Bungei stated, “We have heightened our patrols within the CBD to ensure there is no disruption of businesses. Nobody applied for any license or permit to do protests.” He emphasized that officers were mobilized to disperse any gatherings in the CBD immediately.
Kenyans had meticulously planned the protest, dubbed ‘Occupy Parliament,’ to oppose the passing of the Finance Bill 2024. However, the demonstrations faced severe police repression, resulting in over 627 arbitrary arrests, 361 people injured, 32 abductions and forced disappearances and the tragic deaths of 39 peaceful protestors. Killed on the first week of the protests was Rex Wanyike Maasai who succumbed to gunshot wounds and Evans Kiratu who was injured by a teargas canister and later died while receiving treatment in the hospital.
ABIRTRARY ARRESTS AND ABDUCTIONS
Reports Indicate that over 627 individuals were arbitrarily arrested, including prominent human rights defender Boniface Mwangi, Michael Ndungi, Tevin Gacheru, and others. Additionally, 34 people were reportedly abducted in Nairobi, including but not limited to Shadrack Kiprono, Osama Otero, Drey Mwangi, Gabriel Oguda, Dr Austine Omondi (Japrado), Kevin Monari, Zadock Nyamari, Andrew Mwangi, John Frank Ngemi, Avugwi Chagusia, Chebet Kirui, Brian Nzavi Ngula, Harriet Nyongesa, Ernest Nyerere among others. Several others are still in hiding due to the threats they received from State agents.
These abductions took place in a variety of places including the streets, the homes of the victims and even on the roads. Several victims have reported having being tortured by the police and dumped in places unfamiliar to them.
FATALITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The nationwide protests resulted in 39 deaths, with victims including, Dr Margaret Oyuga, Rex Kanyike Masai, Nick Adams, Eric Njeru, David Chege, Ian Keya, Belinda Achieng, Edwin Otieno, Erick Otieno, Erick Shieni, Beasley Kamau, Ericsson Mutisya, Credo Oyaro, Emmanuel Tata, Austine Munyisa Makoha, Evans Kiratu, Joshua Ombati, Mike Kihunga, Clinton Mwavali, Kennedy Onyango (12 years), Chris Gitonga, Valentine Njeri, Caroline Shiramba, Mathew Njoroge among others
REPORTS ON COUNTIES
- NAIROBI COUNTY: 26
Injured- 200
Killed– 17
- LAIKIPIA: 11
Injured- 10
Killed- 1
- NAKURU: 5
Injured- 2
Killed- 3
- NYERI: 2
Injured-
Killed- 2
- MOMBASA: 18
Injured -15
killed- 3
- NANDI: 1
Injured-
Killed- 1
- KAKAMEGA: 1
Injured-
Killed- 1
- HOMABAY:
Injured -8
Killed-
- KISUMU:9
Injured- 7
Killed-2
11. KISII
Injured –
Killed – 1
12. UASIN GISHU
Injured –
Killed – 4
13. KAJIADO
Injured –
Killed – 3
14. MURANG’A
Injured –
Killed- 1
UNCONSTITUTIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF KDF ON THE STREETS OF NAIROBI
The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) were deployed in Nairobi as a government response to the planned demonstrations. In anticipation of protests, KDF soldiers were seen patrolling the streets, particularly roads leading to State House. Armored vehicles were also deployed in various parts of the Country. The deployment failed to follow due process as stipulated in the Constitution as highlighted below:
- The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Defense must gazette the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) after the House approves the request.
- After deployment, the CS will present a report to the National Assembly about the mission.
- Any KDF operation, whether conducted alone or in support of the police to restore peace in unrest-affected areas in Kenya, requires prior approval from the National Assembly.
- According to Section 33(4) of the KDF Act, the deployment in support of the police can only occur in areas determined by the National Security Council.
SUPPRESSION OF HASHTAGS AND SLOWING DOWN OF THE INTERNET
During the Finance Bill Protests, Kenyans witnessed a direct curtailment of the freedom of expression and digital rights. On June 25, upon the occupation of parliament by protesters, internet in Kenya was slowed down to a point of almost shutting down. The hashtags #RejectFinanceBill2024, #OccupyBungeKe and #RutoMustGo were suppressed in Kenya just to slow down online activism.
Even with the passing of the Data Protection Act (2019), Telecommunication companies were reported to have being complicit in the abductions and forced disappearances. This was done through sharing personal data like the live locations of private citizens with State Agents who then abducted these citizens. This was direct violation of the provisions of the Act.
FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA UNDER ATTACK
Several journalists covering the protests were arbitrarily arrested, injured and their equipments seized by police. Some of the journalists who fell victim to the unconstitutional acts of the police included Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma (AP Media House) – arbitrarily arrested, Justice Mwangi (Standard Media Group)- arrested and injured, Sammy Kimatu (Nation Media Group)- arrested, Maureen Mureithi (Nation Media Group) – injured by a teargas canister which led to her hospitalization. Several media houses, including the Standard Media Group were threatened by the State with a shutdown for factually covering the protests without censoring. The Media Council of Kenya issued a statement condemning the illegal acts by the police and the State at large.
The tragic events that unfolded during the protests against the Finance Bill 2024-2025 underscores the urgent need for the Kenyan government to respect and uphold fundamental human rights. The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are cornerstones of any democratic society, and their violation through excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and abductions represents a grave injustice. As Kenya navigates these challenging times, it is imperative for authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with citizens, protect their constitutional rights, and ensure that such grievous violations do not recur. Only through mutual respect and adherence to human rights can the nation hope to achieve lasting peace and progress.
LINKS:
https://x.com/TheStarKenya/status/1805998805541597216?t=RTLMwviweKlEYLp9UPENRw&s=08
https://x.com/KTNNewsKE/status/1806249517366358212?s=08
https://x.com/ntvkenya/status/1806296636269768972?t=VSRFfuzQdmTI1XndE8uZ4Q&s=08
https://x.com/Goddie_Ke/status/1806343774685077621?t=GFJ26BHf-8uOa9V5VrFGbg&s=08
https://x.com/DefendersKE/status/1806372025562239334?t=Yv5kAPEfAP9r6HgyxY7s9A&s=08
https://x.com/DefendersKE/status/1807036793830703234?t=DcAYi_VSPf6UDTt1_PRfPA&s=08