Extrajudicial killings: A blatant violation of constitutional and human rights

AUGUST 2024 7

Extrajudicial killings—acts where individuals are unlawfully executed without judicial proceedings—represent one of the most egregious violations of both constitutional norms and human rights. These killings undermine the very foundations of justice, equality, and the rule of law, leading to a pervasive climate of fear in societies. As we explore this devastating issue, it is vital to understand its implications on constitutional rights and human dignity. The chilling discovery of hacked bodies in the Kware area of Embakasi, Nairobi, on July 12th sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. This gruesome scene, marked by brutality and desolation, mirrors a haunting pattern that has emerged across the country. In recent months, similar horrors have surfaced, with bodies retrieved from the Ngong and Yala rivers, concealed in dense forests and thickets, each case sending tremors of fear and revulsion rippling through society.

As news broke, the citizens of Kware were enveloped in a cloud of disbelief and outrage. How could such an atrocity occur in their midst? The stark reality of 8 AUGUST 2024 violence had once again intruded into the lives of ordinary people, igniting questions about safety, justice, and the state of human rights. Families, once filled with hope and resilience, found themselves grappling with a new, unsettling reality—a world where the sanctity of life seemed more fragile than ever.