The Commission noted that this was a promise earlier made by the government.
“The Commission demands that the Ministry of Health immediately and
unconditionally waive all the medical bills incurred by the victims of the Saba Saba demonstrations as earlier indicated by the Government,” the Commission’s Vice Chairperson, Dr Raymond Nyeris, said.
He explained that bereaved families are facing financial pressure to meet
costs associated with autopsies, mortuary charges and medical bills.
This is despite the government's public commitment to waive such costs.
“The families claim they are also being asked to pay the postmortem charges
in addition to other medical and mortuary bills contrary to the waiver issued
by the government,” he said.
“A majority of these families are underprivileged and unable to pay the
bills.”
The Commission urged the government to
expedite postmortem procedures and ensure they are conducted lawfully and
transparently in the presence of the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority
(IPOA), independent pathologists and legal representatives of the families.
Nyeris said the KNCHR continues to monitor the
human rights violations that occurred during the Saba Saba Day protests.
He said as of Jul 11, 6 pm, the death toll from the protests has risen to 38
people, with at least 130 others still nursing injuries at home or in various
health facilities across the country.
The Commission revealed that four of the deceased are women, two are
children and the majority of those identified are youth under 25 years old.
“At least 130 people are still nursing
injuries at home and in various health facilities across the country,” Nyeris
said.
The fatalities were recorded in multiple
counties: Kiambu (8), Nairobi (6), Kajiado (6), Nakuru (4), Kirinyaga (3),
Murang’a (3), Embu (2), Meru (2), Laikipia (2), Nyandarua (1) and Nyamira (1).
So far, 15 postmortems have been conducted in
partnership with IPOA, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent
Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) and other civil society organisations.
The Commission said 14 of the deaths were due to gunshot wounds.
Among the victims is a 12-year-old girl from
Kiambu who was shot while watching television at home.
The KNCHR termed this a disturbing example of excessive use of force.
Reaffirming its commitment to its
constitutional and statutory mandate, the Commission encouraged the public to
continue reporting any human rights violations.
“We urge the public to continue reporting any Human Rights violations and
concerns,” Nyeris said.
Reports can be submitted through SMS to 22359, by email to [email protected], via WhatsApp at 0798 849 871, or the toll-free line 0800 720 627.
