Two years after the protests against Kenya’s Finance Bill, families of those who went missing or were killed are still searching for justice. The unrest, which saw demonstrators storm Parliament, resulted in numerous fatalities and ongoing investigations that have largely stalled. Rights groups report that 26 individuals from the 2024 protests remain unaccounted for, highlighting a troubling trend of enforced disappearances linked to police actions during civil unrest.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has indicated that only a small fraction of the cases have progressed to court, with many investigations still pending. Families like that of Denzel Omondi, who disappeared after being arrested, express frustration over the lack of accountability and the slow pace of legal proceedings. The emotional toll on these families is profound, as they grapple with both grief and uncertainty.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Kenyan government has initiated a compensation programme for victims of human rights violations from protests between 2013 and 2025. However, many families criticize this financial compensation as insufficient, arguing that it does not address the need for accountability and justice.
As the anniversary of the protests approaches, concerns about potential violence and further police action loom large. Human rights organizations continue to document abuses, raising alarms about the state of civil liberties in Kenya and the urgent need for reform in policing practices.
Source: Al Jazeera
