A coalition of human right activists led by Francis Awino in Nairobi./HANDOUT
Human rights activists have formally petitioned Parliament, seeking the formation of a joint inquiry team to probe human rights violations during protests.
A coalition of human rights activists, civil society organisations and concerned citizens said they want the probe to focus on alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, abductions and other human rights violations linked to security agencies.
The petitioners, led by Francis Awino, presented their petition to the Speakers and members of both the National Assembly and the Senate.
According to the petitioners, Parliament has both the constitutional authority and responsibility to investigate issues touching on national governance, public accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.
The petition argues that despite Kenya's democratic progress since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, concerns continue to be raised by constitutional commissions, oversight bodies, parliamentary committees, civil society organisations and international human rights groups over allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful detentions, excessive use of force by security agencies, and delays in investigating and prosecuting such cases.
The petitioners further state that many affected families are still searching for answers regarding the whereabouts of their missing relatives and that unresolved cases have eroded public confidence in institutions tasked with administering justice.
While acknowledging the important role played by security agencies in maintaining national security and public order, the petition maintains that all security operations must be conducted strictly within the Constitution and the law, arguing that accountability and effective oversight strengthen, rather than weaken, legitimate law enforcement efforts.
Among the key proposals, the petitioners want Parliament to establish a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee drawn from both Houses to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged human rights violations. They also want the committee to receive evidence from victims, affected families, constitutional commissions, independent oversight bodies, security agencies, civil society organisations, legal practitioners and members of the public.
The petition further calls for a review of existing laws governing policing, arrests, detention, public order management, crowd control operations, and the use of force and firearms. It also seeks stronger oversight of institutions investigating complaints against law enforcement officers, periodic reporting to Parliament on investigations and prosecutions, and the development of a national framework for victim support, witness protection and reparations.
The petitioners argue that Parliament's intervention is necessary to strengthen accountability mechanisms, restore public confidence in governance institutions and ensure constitutional guarantees are translated into practical protection for all Kenyans.
