Kenya protests turn deadly again one year after crackdown | DW News

Kenya: Repeating History of Protests and Police Brutality

Key Concepts: Tax laws, government corruption, police brutality, Gen Z protests, finance bill, abductions, forced disappearances, austerity measures, accountability, justice, IPOA (Independent Policing and Oversight Authority), director of public prosecutions, judicial process.

Overview

The video report highlights the recurring cycle of protests, police brutality, and lack of accountability in Kenya. It focuses on the anniversary of the 2023 protests against new tax laws and government corruption, where 60 people died, and the recent protests sparked by the death of Albert Ojang, a teacher and blogger, in police custody. The report emphasizes the lack of justice for victims of police violence and the government's perceived inaction.

The Cycle of Protests and Violence

• 2023 Protests: Thousands protested against the finance bill, leading to 60 deaths, largely attributed to police brutality.
• Rex Masai Kanik's Death: Rex was the first casualty of the 2023 Gen Z protests. CCTV footage showed a man, believed to be a plainclothes officer, shooting into the crowd.
• 2024 Protests: Sparked by the death of Albert Ojang, who was arrested for publishing claims about the deputy police chief and found dead in his cell. Amnesty International reported 16 deaths during these protests, mostly caused by police.
• Police Brutality: DW cameras captured the shooting of a young vendor in the head during the 2024 protests. The officer involved was masking his face, which is illegal.
• Anniversary Protests: Commemorating the 2023 deaths, thousands protested again, met with tear gas and force, resulting in more fatalities and injuries.

Lack of Accountability and Justice

• IPOA's Challenges: The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) is criticized for being ineffective and intransparent. They investigate police misconduct but face non-cooperation from the police. Basic information, like which officer used which gun, is often withheld.
• Slow Judicial Process: Despite IPOA completing investigations on over 30 cases, the director of public prosecutions is blamed for the slow progress. Court cases can take 4-5 years to be mentioned in court, delaying justice for victims.
• Limited Progress: Only two cases out of the 60 deaths from the 2023 protests have reached an official inquest in court.
• Forced Disappearances: Amnesty International reported a 100% increase in forced disappearances in the past year, with 55 people going missing. This includes government critics and social media users. The case of Kibet, who created AI images of the president in a coffin, is cited.

Government Response and Public Perception

• President Ruto's Response: Critics accuse President Ruto of being disconnected and burying his head in the sand regarding abductions. He claimed that all abductees had returned home, which families deny.
• Conflicting Views: Supporters argue that the protests distract the president from his duties, while protesters believe he is not addressing their concerns.
• Austerity Measures vs. Lavish Spending: The government's announcement of austerity measures alongside funding for state house renovations fuels public anger.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Protesters' Demands: Justice for victims of police violence, accountability for government actions, and an overhaul of the system to end corruption and unchecked spending.
• Families' Perspective: Deep pain and frustration over the loss of their loved ones and the lack of progress in bringing perpetrators to justice.
• IPOA's Perspective: They are doing their job but face obstacles due to non-cooperation from the police and delays in the judicial process.

Notable Quotes

• Jillian Munyo (mother of Rex): "Sometimes I watch whatever is happening on TV, my tears always comes. It's so painful that we are trying to heal then come another bombshell."
• Bonafas Mangi (activist): Rex's death "unlocked emotions that I've never had before."
• Edith Kamani (DW Correspondent): "The three main things that young Kenyans are advocating for right now start with justice...accountability...and in general they want better systems for the nation."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The report paints a grim picture of Kenya's current state, characterized by a cycle of protests, police brutality, and a lack of accountability. The slow judicial process and the government's perceived inaction fuel public anger and distrust. The key takeaway is the urgent need for justice for victims of police violence, an overhaul of the system to address corruption and unchecked spending, and a more responsive and accountable government. The cycle will likely continue until these fundamental issues are addressed.