Kenya: High Court judgment sets a critical precedent for accountability
The High Court of Kenya delivered judgment in Petition No. E015 of 2024, a case concerning incidents of deaths and serious injuries that occurred in the context of protests that took place in Kenya in 2023.
“Kisumu High Court’s 25 March judgment this week, awarding Sh 38.6 million to 28 victims and families, validates their long-ignored cries for justice. It confirms what human rights organisations, opposition politicians, and the media have extensively documented. Police violence during the 2023 “Sufuria” protests was deliberate, excessive, and brutally unlawful.”
“The Kisumu Sufuria Maandamano judgment is one of the most important protest‑policing decisions in recent years. It affirms that working‑class Nyalenda, Nyamasaria, and Kondele neighbourhoods deserve the same protection during protests as wealthier Milimani and Riat. Five minors were shot or beaten, nine victims were under 35, but none were found to be violent. Men were the primary targets, but women bravely searched for loved ones, cared for the injured, and pushed for justice.”
“While compensation is yet to be settled and it is less than awards in civil cases, this judgment sets a critical precedent for accountability and equal protection during public assemblies. Settlements must not be delayed. Investigations into the culpability of specific officers and commanders must be concluded.”