Extra-judicial killings in Kenya: A threat to Constitutionalism, the Rule of Law, and national image
by admin on | 2025-07-02 07:05:15 Last Updated by admin on 2025-07-03 09:29:12
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Kenya has long struggled with the menace of extra-judicial killings, a persistent issue that undermines the country\'s constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and its international reputation. Despite constitutional safeguards under Article 26 (right to life) and Article 29 (freedom from torture and inhuman treatment), security agencies—particularly the police—continue to execute suspects without due process. These killings, often justified under the guise of fighting crime or terrorism, erode public trust in state institutions and perpetuate a culture of impunity. This editorial examines the impact of extra-judicial killings on Kenya’s constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the country’s image, while calling for urgent reforms to restore justice and accountability. The state of extra-judicial killings in Kenya Extra-judicial killings in Kenya are not a new phenomenon. They have been documented for decades, with human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Kenya’s own Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) consistently reporting cases of unlawful executions. Victims range from suspected criminals, terrorism suspects, activists, and even innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. In previous years, the killings of Muslim clerics, such as Sheikh Aboud Rogo and others accused of terrorism, along with the murders of human rights defenders like lawyer Willie Kimani and his clients—who had exposed police death squads—paint a grim picture of state violence. Equally alarming are the enforced disappearances and executions of young men in informal settlements, carried out under the guise of combating gang violence. The situation has only worsened, with the killings of youth last June and an additional 19 lives brutally cut short just last week on June 25th—a dark stain on the nation’s conscience. The brutal killing of hawker Boniface Kariuki by police is a shocking and unacceptable act of violence that must be condemned in the strongest terms. The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians—especially vulnerable street vendors—reflects a disturbing abuse of power and a blatant disregard for human life. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for police accountability, justice for victims of state violence, and systemic reforms to end such senseless killings. Our hearts go out to Kariuki’s family and indeed all those that lost their lives on June 25th 2025, and we demand immediate action to ensure those responsible face the full force of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are equally with those who are...Read more
