At least 104 people were killed by police officers in the country in 2024, according to a new report that highlights a concerning trend in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
The majority of these deaths occurred during the Gen Z protests between June and August 2024. June recorded the highest number of fatalities at 38, followed by 11 in July and 9 in August, amounting to 58 police killings during the protest period. These demonstrations, largely led by youth protesting against the high cost of living and government policies, were met with aggressive law enforcement responses.
Although the 2024 death toll reflected a 12 per cent decline compared to 2023, when 118 people were reportedly killed by police, the number of abductions significantly increased. The report recorded 55 abduction cases in 2024, a staggering 450 per cent rise from 10 cases the previous year. Before this, the highest number of enforced disappearances was documented in 2019, which had 38 cases.
Only two per cent of the extrajudicial killing cases were reported to have been prosecuted by relevant authorities, highlighting a systemic lack of accountability. Most cases were not investigated or taken to court by oversight bodies, leaving many families without justice or closure.
A regional breakdown of the killings revealed that Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 38. Kiambu County followed with 9 cases, Migori had 6, while Kakamega and Nakuru each reported 5 cases. Makueni and Uasin-Gishu counties each had four recorded cases.
A large proportion of those killed were youth aged between 18 and 34 years, making up 79 of the total fatalities. Additionally, 18 adults and 7 minors under 18 years were also killed. The report also indicated a stark gender disparity, with 91 per cent of the victims being male.
In addition to the confirmed cases, the report noted the presence of 50 unclaimed bodies with bullet wounds at the City Mortuary. These bodies were recorded during the peak of the protests but were excluded from the official count due to a lack of conclusive evidence linking their deaths directly to police action. Two individuals who died while in police custody, officially reported as suicides, were also included in the documentation as deaths in custody.
The findings underscore not only the excessive use of force by police but also the growing concern over enforced disappearances. Many of the abducted individuals were never formally charged or given the opportunity to prove their innocence in court. By the time of the report’s release, no reparations or justice had been offered to the victims or their families.
During a political reconciliation between two major parties in early March 2025, one of the agreements was that victims of police brutality would be compensated. However, the report pointed out that this commitment had yet to translate into meaningful action.
The growing number of extrajudicial killings and abductions has sparked renewed calls for comprehensive reforms. There is a push for greater independence and resourcing for oversight institutions such as the national human rights commission and the police oversight authority. These institutions are seen as key to fostering accountability, professionalism, and a culture of respect for human rights within the police force and other state organs.
The report paints a grim picture of systemic failures and highlights the urgent need for structural reform to curb the cycle of abuse, impunity, and human rights violations in law enforcement.
