Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) on Thursday, September 14 revealed that 128 extrajudicial killing cases have been recorded between October 2022 and August 2023.
IMLU report showed that cases of torture and extrajudicial killings increased drastically since the beginning of the Kenya Kwanza government.
“This marks a staggering increase of 250 cases increase compared to the 232 violations reported in a similar period of 2021-2022,” read part of IMLU statement.
The cases include torture, executions, and forced disappearances, among other rights violations.
According to IMLU, the country has witnessed a wave of punitive policing during anti-government protests.
Cases of extrajudicial executions, deaths in custody, deliberate torture of children, and interference with investigative authorities also increased in the past 11 months.
IMLU further revealed that the majority of victims were male adults aged 18–35 years, accounting for 314.
Victims aged 36–65 years constituted 121, while 0–17 years comprised 44, and those over 65 accounted for 3 persons.
IMLU stated these are the highest numbers they have ever recorded in under a year. In total out of the 482 cases, 415 were male and 67 females.
IMLU highlights that the significant increase in cases of torture and related violations indicates a failure to curb police abuse of power.
“This alarming rise not only shows a lack of progress but also suggests that the situation has worsened,” the statement reads.
Despite the challenge, IMLU commended President Ruto’s progress in appointing a Chief Pathologist and Court of Appeal judges.
The president was also lauded for disbanding the Special Service Unit (SSU) and establishing a Taskforce on Police and Prison Reforms under the leadership of retired Chief Justice David Maraga.
It also commended President Ruto for establishing financial independence for the National Police Service (NPS).
On the other hand, President Ruto had ordered a probe into the extra-judicial killings that allegedly happened in the previous regime after he was sworn in.
IMLU report has been released at a time when Interior CS Kindiki said cases of extra-judicial killings that occurred in the country are under active investigation.
