Alledged Involvement of Kenyan Police in Dumping Nine Bodies -On July 12, 2024, the quiet slums of Mukuru in Nairobi, Kenya, were shaken by Shocking discovery. Nine bodies, showing visible signs of torture and mutilation, were found abandoned in a quarry near the Kware police station. This harrowing scene has prompted Kenya’s police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to launch an investigation into potential police involvement.
Volunteers were seen retrieving the bodies, wrapped in bags and secured with nylon ropes, from the dumpsite. Most of the remains were significantly decomposed, except for one “fresh” body, according to Miriam Nyamuita, an activist with the Mukuru Community Justice Centre. Among the deceased, seven were identified as female and two as male.
Given the proximity of the dumpsite to the station and the backdrop of recent anti-government protests, the IPOA’s investigation is focused on whether these deaths are linked to police actions. The agency emphasized the need for “immediate and hastened forensic investigations” to identify the victims and uncover the circumstances leading to their deaths.
The discovery comes in the wake of last month’s violent anti-government demonstrations, where Kenyan police- faced accusations of using excessive force. The protests were initially sparked by proposed tax hikes in a new finance bill, which President William Ruto later scrapped. Despite this, protesters continued to demand his resignation and police accountability for the brutality.
In response to the mounting pressure and public outrage, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigned. His resignation followed the deaths of dozens during the protests, which had placed him under intense scrutiny. President Ruto’s administration is now dealing with a significant crisis, with demands for justice and accountability growing louder.
The gruesome discovery has galvanized human rights organizations, with the Kenya Human Rights Commission urging a thorough investigation. “The perpetrators must be held accountable,” the commission stated, emphasizing the need for government accountability in this heinous crime.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions also voiced its concern, highlighting the bodies’ location near the police station as indicative of severe human rights violations. The office has demanded the results of the police inquiry within 21 days and urged swift action from state agencies, including the IPOA.
This incident is not isolated; it reflects broader issues within Kenya’s law enforcement. Kenyan police have a notorious reputation for using excessive force, especially in poorer neighborhoods, and are often accused of extrajudicial killings and running hit squads against activists and lawyers. Despite numerous allegations, there have been few instances of police officers being held accountable.
President Ruto, who has previously promised to end police violence and illegal practices, now faces the challenge of restoring public trust in the force. The IPOA, established in 2011 to provide civilian oversight of the police, has often been praised for its efforts, although its investigations are frequently hampered by a lack of cooperation from the police.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind these brutal deaths and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. The tragic events in Mukuru serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for police reform and greater accountability in Kenya’s law enforcement agencies.
