Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has demanded accountability for the violence that marred recent protests, following his visit to victims of police brutality admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Owino condemned what he described as a “massacre” and accused security forces of carrying out deliberate and targeted attacks on unarmed civilians.
The MP disclosed that 16 young people had been taken to KNH with gunshot wounds and other injuries sustained during Tuesday’s demonstrations. While nine had been discharged, seven remained hospitalized with two in critical condition. One of them, according to Owino, was the young man seen in widely circulated video footage being shot at close range in cold blood.
“These were not accidents. These were deliberate, targeted attacks on unarmed civilians children of this republic,” Owino said, noting that one victim had seven gunshot wounds to the back, others were shot in the eye, leg, neck, and lower back.
Calling the events “criminal conduct,” Owino insisted that the use of live bullets against protesters violated constitutional protections. “No Kenyan should be hunted down for expressing their views or for standing up for their future,” he said. “We will not stop demanding justice.”
His sentiments were echoed by former Chief Justice David Maraga, who also condemned the brutality, blaming rogue operatives and goons for the injuries. Maraga referenced a report from the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR), which had documented 22 casualties from violent attacks across the country.
The Judiciary has since issued a statement affirming its commitment to justice. “The courts remain committed to their constitutional mandate to uphold justice, including in cases relating to police brutality and other forms of misconduct,” the statement read.
The Judiciary assured that such matters would be addressed through impartial and independent legal processes in accordance with the rule of law. As public outrage grows, leaders like Owino are amplifying calls for accountability and justice for the victims of what many now describe as state-sponsored violence.
