At least four deaths during anti-government protests in Kenya have raised questions about police misconduct, with victims’ causes of death being misreported in official records. An investigation revealed that morgue logbooks recorded two deaths as road accidents, despite autopsies showing gunshot wounds to the victims’ heads and necks.
The two men, Charles Owino and Shaquille Obienge, were killed during protests in July 2024, when large crowds took to the streets to protest rising taxes and political corruption. Family members discovered discrepancies between police reports and autopsy findings. While police attributed the deaths to accidents, autopsies revealed that Owino died from a headshot and Obienge from a neck wound.
The case of another protester, Kepher Odiwuor Ouma, added to concerns when his death was recorded as a result of “mob justice” by police, although witnesses claim he was beaten unconscious by officers. Additionally, Denzel Omondi’s body, found nine days after his disappearance, was recorded as drowning, despite signs of trauma.
Human rights organizations and families have accused Kenyan authorities of covering up police violence by misreporting the causes of death in morgue logs. These deaths follow widespread protests in June and July, during which Kenyan police allegedly used excessive force against demonstrators, leaving numerous protesters dead and many others missing.
Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights reported a surge in disappearances during this period, with 82 cases registered, many linked to police actions. Some witnesses allege the involvement of a police unit, the Operation Action Team (OAT), in abductions and killings.
The Kenyan police have faced growing criticism for their response to the protests. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledged the loss of life during the demonstrations, but defended the use of lethal force by police in certain cases. President William Ruto also acknowledged instances of excessive force by security forces.
Despite calls for accountability, the authorities have yet to address the allegations, and investigations into the deaths and disappearances remain ongoing.