Kenya has been ranked among 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa whose governments have violated human rights in the past year, according to the 2024 global report by CIVICUS, a leading civil society organization. The annual People Power Under Attack report identifies a disturbing trend of governments restricting freedoms, and Kenya’s human rights standing has notably deteriorated in the wake of the violent police response to Gen Z protests in mid-2024.
Kenya’s rating was downgraded from “obstructed” to “repressed” due to the heavy-handed tactics employed by law enforcement during nationwide protests. The protests, sparked by grievances over economic hardships and perceived government corruption, saw unprecedented levels of police brutality. CIVICUS cited the violent crackdown as a key factor in the country’s deteriorating human rights record. According to the report, at least 60 unarmed protesters were killed, and police arrested over 1,000 individuals during the protests. The violence did not cease with the end of the protests, as numerous reports of abductions and extrajudicial killings have emerged, with security forces continuing to target individuals they suspect of being involved.
“The government’s violent response caused the deaths of at least 60 unarmed protesters, and police arrested at least 1,000 people,” stated the People Power Under Attack 2024 report. “Abductions of protesters and online supporters of the protests have continued months after, as security forces hunt down those they suspect of involvement, creating a chilling effect on civic freedoms.”
The report described the government’s actions as part of a broader trend of repression, which involved obstructing peaceful protests, using excessive force, and prosecuting journalists, human rights defenders, and activists. It specifically pointed out instances where protestors and those involved in the protests were abducted, a tactic that exacerbates fears and suppresses dissent. As the report notes, such actions stifle political engagement and weaken democratic institutions.
While Kenya’s human rights record has long been scrutinized, the violent response to the 2024 protests marked a significant shift in the country’s standing. Kenya’s rating now falls within the “repressed” category, indicating severe restrictions on freedom of expression and association. This categorization places Kenya in the company of countries like Eswatini, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso, which have also faced similar criticisms for curbing fundamental freedoms.
However, Kenya is not alone in its negative trajectory. Several African countries, including Eswatini, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso, were also downgraded for curtailing civil liberties, reflecting a regional pattern of governments using force to suppress dissent. On the flip side, countries like Botswana and Liberia have improved their rankings by fostering an environment where political expression is allowed, and human rights are defended.
In the aftermath of the protests, Kenya has faced significant international criticism. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations and various global watchdogs, have called for accountability for those responsible for the violence, including the police officers involved in extrajudicial killings and abductions. The United States has also condemned the government’s actions, urging Kenya to respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of its citizens.
Despite the international outcry, President William Ruto has defended the police’s actions, claiming that his government’s response was necessary to maintain order. In a joint media interview in June 2024, Ruto stated, “Criminals have caused immense harm, and I must protect everybody, especially innocent people.” He vehemently denied the accusations of excessive force, asserting, “I have no blood on my hands.”
While Ruto’s statements may resonate with those who view the protests as violent disturbances, human rights advocates argue that the government’s approach has undermined democratic processes and endangered civil freedoms. The failure to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions has further strained the relationship between the government and civil society, as well as eroded public trust in the state’s commitment to human rights.
As Kenya’s human rights record continues to come under scrutiny, the international community remains watchful. The challenge now is whether Kenya will take meaningful steps to address the abuses of 2024 and restore the civil liberties that have been eroded under the current administration. Without accountability and reforms, the country risks further isolation on the global stage and a continued decline in the protection of its citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
