Nairobi, 13th July 2024. The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) and Civic Freedoms Forums (CFF) are deeply shocked and saddened by the recent discovery of at least six dismembered bodies at the Kware dumpsite near Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums in Nairobi. These dismembered bodies were found wrapped in sacks and polythene bags of assorted colours, which were tied with majorly with ligatures, and retrieved from a garbage-filled quarry pit opposite Kware police station with a similar pattern of packaging according to yesterday’s statement on the X platform of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. This horrific incident is a mass fatality issue; it represents a grave violation of human rights and raises serious concerns about the rule of law and security in our country.

This discovery comes amid a troubling surge in cases of mysterious disappearances and abductions, particularly following recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024 that has resulted in the deaths of over 40 individuals; further, how the bodies were disposed of highlights the brutal nature of these killings and the urgent need for justice in light of the National Police Service (NPS) facing severe accusations of involvement in unlawful activities.

The government must allow for a thorough investigation into these killings to uncover the truth behind these heinous acts and determine the identities of these dismembered and unidentified female victims.

PRWG-K and CFF call for the following actions:

1. We urge the government to allow for and initiate swift, comprehensive investigations into these killings. It is crucial to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and hold those responsible accountable.
2. Because the bodies were dismembered, we are concerned that they may be co-mingled and, thus, will require sorting and reassociation according to forensic medical best practice.
3. To ensure that the victims’ identities are scientifically determined for accuracy, we request that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, Division of Forensic & Pathology Services, and the National Registration Bureau prioritize the collection of the victims’ fingerprints immediately.
4. To ensure that the Forensic Death Investigation Process – that is, Postmortems should be done together with independent observers. These processes should be done in a central location. As such, the bodies should be moved to one location and preserved awaiting forensic death investigation.
5. The crime scene should be urgently secured, and competent personnel should be involved in overseeing and or conducting forensic retrieval of all remaining remains or bodies.
6. The National Construction Authority should close all open quarries.
7. Establish a National Missing Persons Database
8. Ensure that there is a clear cooperation mechanism for purposes of evidence management, between the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations into all reports of enforced disappearances, and deaths allegedly committed by police officers. Ensuring accountability within the police force is vital to restoring public trust and upholding justice.
9. We appeal to members of the public to come forward with any information regarding missing, abducted, or deceased victims. Public cooperation is essential in aiding investigations and bringing perpetrators to justice.

In conclusion, the discovery of these dismembered bodies dumped in this quarry pit is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and further publicize human rights violations and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The PRWG-K and CFF remain committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Kenya.

For further assistance, or to report human rights violations, please call our helplines at IMLU at 0800-721-401 or the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

This statement is signed by the Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF) and Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya, (PRWG-K) an alliance of national and grassroots organizations committed to professional, accountable, and human rights-compliant policing. They include:

Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Kariobangi Paralegal Network, Defenders Coalition, Katiba Institute, Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), International Justice Mission (IJM-K), HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, Women Empowerment Link, Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED), Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Kenya), International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ – Kenya), Transparency International Kenya, Shield For justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ), Peace Brigades International Kenya. (PBI Kenya).