Government addresses abductions during Finance Bill protests

• Ministry of Interior issues statement on Finance Bill protest-related abductions
• Statement seeks to clarify government's stance and actions regarding the allegations
• Government commits to prosecuting organizers, planners, and financiers of the crimes committed during the protests

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, led by CS Kithure Kindiki, has issued an official statement addressing the claims of abductions and enforced disappearances that surfaced following the recent Finance Bill protests in Kenya.

The statement, released on July 9, 2024, on social media platform X, seeks to clarify the government's stance and actions regarding the allegations.

Context of the June 2024 protests

Between June 18 and June 27, 2024, Kenya witnessed a series of demonstrations that began peacefully, advocating for the fundamental right to freedom of assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petitioning public authorities.

READ: Ruto addresses police officer cop who has been at the centre of public rage

However, the government asserts that these demonstrations were hijacked by violent organised criminals who terrorised the public.

The statement alleges that these criminals robbed demonstrators, attempted to burn down Parliament, and vandalized the office of the Chief Justice.

Government's commitment to human rights

The statement emphasises the Kenyan government's commitment to upholding, promoting, and fulfilling the right to demonstrate, as provided under the Constitution.

It reiterates that these rights and freedoms must be exercised within the boundaries of the law, ensuring that civil order is not disrupted.

The government affirms that human rights and freedoms are inherent, inalienable, and cannot be taken away by any person or authority.

READ: CS Kindiki's plan after looting & property destruction rocks protests

Accountability for crimes

As the conversation on taxation and other priority national issues continues, the government highlights its ongoing process of accountability for serious crimes that resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and breaches of peace.

The statement asserts that these investigations are being conducted concurrently.

To prevent future incidents of impunity, the government commits to prosecuting the organisers, planners, and financiers of the crimes committed against the people of Kenya under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.

READ: List of Kenyans who lost their lives in the Finance Bill protests

Law enforcement oversight

The statement also addresses the conduct of law enforcement officers during the protests.

It assures that any infractions or excesses by law enforcement will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken against those found culpable.