Nairobi county has recorded the highest number of extrajudicial killings, a report has found.
In the Missing Voices report released on May 7, Nairobi led with 38 killings. This is from a total number of 104 killings recorded across the country.
Nairobi was followed by Kiambu with nine, Kajiado and Migori with six, Kakamega and Nakuru with five each.
Makueni and Uasin Gishu had four cases each, Mombasa, Trans Nzoia and Turkana with three incidents each.
Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kirinyaga, Kisumu and Machakos reported 2 incidents each, while Homa Bay, Kilifi, Kitui, Laikipia, Narok, Nyeri, Siaya and West Pokot had one case each.
According to the report, the number of extrajudicial killings in 2024 reduced from 118 in 2023 to 104, a 12 per cent decrease.
“90 victims of extrajudicial killings were through police shootings compared to 113 in 2023, a 23 per cent decrease,” the report read in part.
The report noted that deaths in police custody increased from two in 2023 to five in 2024, representing a 150 per cent increase.
“Four victims died from tear gas canisters related injuries. Three people were found dead while two were murdered,” the report read.
According to the report, 51 of the extrajudicial killings happened as a result of anti-crime operations, 35 by anti-riot operations, five by altercation with the police, and one suspected gender-based violence case.
Twelve victims died under unclear circumstances from police responses to crime and protests.
The Missing voices indicated 43 cases of extrajudicial killings are under Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigations, four suspects have been arrested.
One police officer has been arraigned in court while no cases are on-going for 50 other incidents.
“The status of six other cases is unknown. Police officers were the most notorious for extrajudicial killings at 93 of all Missing Voices documented deaths and one Kenya Police Reservist,” the report.
“The security unit's alleged response to 10 other incidents of extrajudicial killings was not clear.“
According to the Section Director, Amnesty International Kenya Irungu Houghton, there were 1,800 public protests or four protests every day of 2024.
“With over 65 verified unlawful police killings, 89 abductions and thousands of arbitrary arrests, the Kenya Kwanza manifesto promise to bring the history of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances to an end lies in tatters,” he said.
He recommended the need to require police commanders to manage protests with protest organisers and protect health-workers, journalists and protest marshals.
He also recommended training officers in emotional awareness, active listening and conflict management skills.
“The government should also address economic distress and low trust levels in public institutions felt by most Kenyans,” he said.
