Kenya’s human rights record has not improved under the Narc government, says the latest report by the Amnesty International. “There have been a remarkable decline in incidents of state repression against politicians and civil societies, but government agencies are engaging in blatant violation of the rights of common citizens.” (24-MAY-07)
This story, written by an unnamed reporter, was first published in today´s issue of the independent Kenyan newspaper the Nation. It has been edited and supplemented for publication here by HRH / Martin Oluoch.
The agency’s Kenya chapter said most people are living in fear of organised terror gangs with police officers making the situation worse by harassing those fleeing from criminals. The chapter’s director, Ms Miriam Kahiga who spoke in Nairobi during the launch of the State of the World’s Human Rights report, termed the Kenyan situation grim.
Forced evictions
The report accused the Government of evicting over 10,000 families from informal settlements last year. “The evictions were characterized by violence, destruction of houses and property, and inadequate resettlement and compensation provisions.”
Extra-judicial killings
And the police fomented the violations by engaging in extra-judicial killings and torture of suspects. “The prisons have improved tremendously but police cells have become worse. The cells are congested and in very poor conditions with officers denying human right activists access to the facilities,” said lawyer Ng’ang’a Thiong’o.
Handling of terror suspects
The recent crackdown on terror suspects also put the Government on focus. “The fate of 70 Kenyans extradited to Somalia and Guantanamo Bay is still unclear. Individual rights were violated by our forces working with foreign security officers,” said Ms Kahiga.
Press freedom
It cites last year’s raid on a media house as an affront on citizen’s rights because it curtails Press freedom. The recently tabled Media Bill is also seen in that light.
