At least eight people lost their lives during nationwide demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported.
According to the commission, all the fatalities were caused by gunshot wounds. The deaths occurred across six counties: Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
In a strongly worded statement, KNCHR condemned the violence and called for respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“The right to life is sacrosanct. We condole with the families of the deceased and urge all actors to respect the sanctity of life,” said Dr. Raymond Nyeris, the commission’s vice chairperson.
The KNCHR expressed grave concern over what it described as the “continuous violations of human rights and non-adherence to the rule of law by both state agencies and select groups of citizens.”
Beyond the fatalities, the commission reported more than 400 casualties, including injured demonstrators, police officers, and journalists who were caught in the chaos.
