Joint Statement of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights deploring the use of live ammunition by police on unarmed peaceful protestors in the Republic of Kenya
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), in accordance with its mandate under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), is deeply concerned by recent events in the Republic of Kenya, as documented by reports of excessive use of force by security forces, arbitrary deployment of non-state actors to disrupt peaceful protests, in addition to restrictions on media houses from live coverage of the protests.
The Commission has received credible reports of the police shooting on the head, from a close distance, of Mr. Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old unarmed street vendor, during the Gen Z-led peaceful demonstrations held in Nairobi’s Central Business District on 17 June 2025. The Commission condemns such use of force as a violation of the right to life and personal security of those targeted by live ammunition and expresses its sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of Mr. Kariuki.
The Commission echoes the statement of the Kenya Judiciary of 18 June 2025 expressing concern over the ‘rising incidents of police brutality and the growing trend of peaceful protests being infiltrated by goons.’ These acts, prima facie, constitute a serious violation of the right to peaceful assembly.
The Commission further expresses its concern by the directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) on 25 June 2025, which ordered all television and radio broadcasters to immediately cease live coverage of ongoing nationwide protests. Such measures constitute a disproportionate restriction on the rights to freedom of expression, press freedom and access to information.
In addition, the Commission received with deep concern the findings of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) following the 27 June 2025 demonstrations commemorating the first anniversary of the Gen-Z protests, during which nineteen (19) fatalities were reported from gunshot wounds in six counties, with over five hundred thirty-one (531) individuals injured, fifteen (15) enforced disappearances, hundred seventy-nine arrests, two (2) cases of individual rape, two (2) cases of gang rape and one (1) attempted rape.
The Commission recalls the obligations of the Republic of Kenya under the African Charter, particularly Articles 4 (right to life), 5 (right to dignity and freedom from ill-treatment), 6 (right to liberty and security), 7 (right to fair trial), 9 (freedom of expression and access to information), and 11 (freedom of assembly) as well as Article 3 (the right to dignity) and Article 4 (the right to integrity and security of the person) of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). These rights remain applicable and must be respected, protected, and fulfilled at all times, including during periods of political contestation and public protest.
The Commission calls upon the Government of Kenya to take the following actions:
• Ensure Prompt and Independent Investigations: Conduct thorough, impartial, and independent investigations into the shooting of Mr. Boniface Kariuki, all the other killings and reported cases of excessive use of force by security forces and ensure that the findings are made public and that those responsible are held to account promptly.
• Institute substantial reform of the Kenya police service: The recurrent acts of police brutality and the risks of deepening impunity demand that the laws, standards, structures and processes that govern the training and conduct of the police service and the system of accountability are overhauled
• Investigate and ensure accountability for the deployment of Non-State Actors (‘goons’) and the violations they perpetrated including rape: Urgently investigate reports of the deployment of non-state actors (‘goons’) to disrupt protests including through incitement of violence and the reported perpetration of various acts of violence including rape and looing and to clarify any involvement of political or other actors in such actions, for ensuring accountability for all forms of incitement and violence.
• Respect the Right to freedom of assembly: The Commission reiterates that the right to peaceful assembly under Article 11 of the African Charter must be respected and facilitated. Security forces should exercise maximum restraint and operate in accordance with human rights norms and standards in the management of public assemblies, taking into consideration the Guidelines for the Policing for the Policing of Assemblies by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa.
• Guarantee Freedom of Expression and Access to Information: The Commission calls for the reversal of the directive by the CAK, emphasizing that restrictions on live media coverage undermine democratic accountability and violate Article 9 of the African Charter, and as noted in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
• Ensure Judicial Independence and Due Process: The Commission underscores the importance of safeguarding judicial independence and upholding due process guarantees, especially in the context of ongoing or anticipated legal proceedings arising from the demonstrations.
• Engage in Constructive Dialogue with Stakeholders: The Government should engage all relevant stakeholders including civil society organizations, media actors, and youth representatives in an inclusive dialogue to address the underlying grievances and ensure public trust in democratic processes.
The Commission reaffirms that the well-being, dignity, and fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals must remain central to all actions undertaken by State authorities. In this regard, the Commission calls upon the Government of the Republic of Kenya to uphold its obligations under the African Charter by reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights.
The Commission stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Kenya in their ongoing efforts to promote social justice, safeguard civic space, and ensure full respect for human and peoples’ rights.
Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu
Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Focal Point on Reprisals and on Judicial Independence in Africa.
Honourable Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa
Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, PhD
Country Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in the Republic of Kenya
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Honourable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela
Special Rapporteur on Prisons, Conditions of Detention, and Police Action in Africa
Honourable Commissioner Idrissa Sow
Chairperson of the Working Group on the Death Penalty, Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Killings, and Enforced Disappearances in Africa
Honourable Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa
Done this 29th day of June 2025.
