At least 128 cases of extrajudicial killings have been recorded in Kenya in the past 11 months.
In a report released by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) on Thursday, revealed that the cases were recorded between Oct 2022 and Aug 2023.
The reports state that the cases of torture and related violations (TRVs) doubled within the period under review compared to the previous years, from 232 to 482.
The cases include torture, executions and other rights violations
"This marks a staggering increase of 250 cases increase compared to the 232 violations reported in a similar period of 2021-2022," reads the statement.
Out of the 482 cases, 351 were torture, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment, IMLU reveals.
Looking at the gender and age, it was noted that the majority of victims/survivors were young male adults aged 18-35 years, accounting for 314.
Those aged 36-65 years constituted 121, 0-17 years comprised 44, and those over 65 accounted for 3 persons.
In total out of the 482 cases, 415 were male and 67 female.
IMLU highlights that the significant increase in cases of torture and related violations (TRVs) indicates a failure to curb police abuse of power including excessive, unnecessary, illegal and disproportionate use of force and firearms.
"This alarming rise not only shows a lack of progress but also suggests that the situation has worsened," the statement reads.
After he assumed office as the fifth president of Kenya, President Ruto ordered a probe into the extra-judicial killings that allegedly happened in the previous regime.
This saw some detectives grilled over the disappearance and killings of people.
This comes after the interior CS said extrajudicial killings that occurred in the country are under active investigation.
Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration has zero tolerance for extrajudicial killings.
However, IMLU notes that the data reveals that the President's efforts to address police abuse and protect urban youth have fallen short
The unit explains that the fact that the majority of victims/survivors are young adults aged 18-35 years (accounting for 65 per cent) is particularly troubling.
"President Ruto's promise was aimed at protecting urban youth from police abuse, yet they continue to be disproportionately affected by these violations," reads the statement further.
