30 April 2020
Nairobi, Kenya
Report on the situation of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya in the wake of COVID -19: Violence, Impunity and Retrogress to police state
Following a declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 2020 on Corona virus disease as global pandemic, speed and nature of its spread, the government of Kenya has put in place a raft of measures to keep her citizens safe by curbing the spread of the virus. These measures include advising citizens to stay at home, corporates to minimize crowds at places of work, banning all public and social gatherings, implementing measures as advised by WHO and the a nationwide dusk to dawn curfew between 7pm to 5 am to be observed by all citizens except for a select institutions and professions classified as essential service providers that took effect on Friday 27th March 2020. This directive, consequently, omitted the recognition of fundamental oversight and watchdog institutions who play a critical role in monitoring the implementation of such directives.
The curfew directive has been the direct cause of numerous human rights violations. Majority of these violations, as you will see below, are cases perpetuated by police officers who are on a wave of using excessive force while enforcing the presidential directive. On the first day of the curfew (27th March) innocent and unarmed home-goers were brutalized, treated with indignity, whipped, battered, violently assembled- an action that was contrary of social distancing directive- and tear gassed even before clock of curfew time.. Horrific images and videos circulated in the media as Kenyans called on the government to bring to book the perpetrators and respect human rights. This incident happened in Mombasa where 16 people were injured as per data.
On the onset of a steady increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kenya, the government further announced even stringent and stiff measures to contain the spread of the virus. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a 21-day partial lockdown (cessation of travel) at four counties (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Mandera on 24th April) that had indicated infection numbers going through the roof and therefore regarded as COVID-19 hotspots.
In his address that was televised on 6th April 2020, the President warned that “We must be ready to go even further if necessary.” Movement of food supplies and cargo was, however, to continue moving in and out of the partially locked down counties through road, rail and air.
Defenders Coalition has put together a report illustrating the impact of Covid-19 on human rights defenders in Kenya.
Read full report here
Photo Credits: Daily Nation
Cartoon artwork: @iGaddo