The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that 22 individuals were injured during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties. The demonstrations, led by civil society groups and human rights activists, were organized to demand justice for Albert Ojwang, a man who died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.
According to KNCHR Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris, the injuries reported include gunshot wounds, head cuts, whiplashes, blunt force trauma, and asthma attacks triggered by teargas exposure. Among the most severe incidents was the shooting of a peaceful protester at close range in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The victim is currently in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
The commission strongly condemned the arrest of peaceful demonstrators, including four human rights defenders in Mombasa, who had lawfully notified police of their intentions to protest. KNCHR has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested individuals.
Despite the violence and arrests, KNCHR lauded the majority of protesters for maintaining a peaceful stance even amid provocation from police and suspected hired goons. In a disturbing revelation, the commission noted the presence of masked individuals riding motorbikes who roamed the streets assaulting protesters and civilians with tyre whips, wooden bars, and other crude weapons.
The human rights body also reported incidents of robbery and brutality perpetrated by these groups, which it said appeared to operate with impunity under the watch of law enforcement. KNCHR criticized the conduct of police officers, many of whom concealed their identities by wearing masks and removing vehicle registration plates—actions that violate a 2023 High Court ruling mandating visibility and identification of officers during protest management.
“This is an unacceptable conduct by the police who are required to discharge their duties professionally and provide security for all persons in Kenya without favour or bias,” the commission stated.
KNCHR concluded by warning that when those entrusted with upholding the law act unlawfully, it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines public trust and encourages lawlessness among citizens.
