24 People Killed, 32 Abducted During Kenya Protests: Amnesty International Report.

As of Sunday night, twenty-four Kenyans have been confirmed dead due to police brutality during recent nationwide protests, Amnesty International reported.

In a statement released on Monday, the human rights organization noted that the youngest victim was a twelve-year-old named Kennedy Onyango.

Additionally, 361 people have been injured, 627 arrested, and 32 abducted since the anti-Finance Bill 2024 and anti-government demonstrations began on June 18. “Abduction and detention differ from an arrest. Many of those abducted by state officers were not informed of the charges against them or booked into a police station. Dozens have been held incommunicado, denied access to their families, legal representation, and medical assistance,” Amnesty stated.

The organization condemned the excessive use of police force against emergency response teams and journalists.

“Medical personnel have come under fire, been arrested by state officers, and had their patient lists stolen from mobile emergency centers serving the injured. Lawyers have been denied access to their clients, arrested, and intimidated by state officers to drop cases,” Amnesty said.

“Journalists covering the protests have had their cameras confiscated, been arrested, and beaten in broad daylight. Staff operating helplines and funds set up to support legal representation and medical assistance have faced numerous challenges.”

Amnesty International also demanded that the government address the demands of the Kenyan youth, including the release of those held incommunicado by police authorities and greater accountability in governance.

“Release those arbitrarily arrested and put an end to extrajudicial killings, among other demands. Many of their demands, in our view, do not require policy dialogue but decisive executive action,” Amnesty stated.

The nationwide protests have highlighted significant discontent among Kenyan youth with President William Ruto’s government, with some even calling for his resignation and the withdrawal of his Cabinet.

During a roundtable session at State House on Sunday, President Ruto pledged that no police force would be used against peaceful protesters as Kenyans plan to take to the streets this Tuesday and Thursday.