Wamuzi News KeAmnesty International Kenya has issued an explosive condemnation of the national police force, alleging deliberate efforts to block families from obtaining postmortem examinations for victims of Wednesday’s anti-government protests—an action that rights activists warn could amount to a cover-up.
The advisory by Amnesty Kenya’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, comes in response to revelations that several bereaved families were reportedly led to believe their loved ones could be buried immediately—without forensic investigation. Houghton stated unequivocally: “We have received reports that some police officers are allegedly misadvising victims’ families to bury their loved ones without a postmortem”.
This accusation follows a national outcry after 16 protesters lost their lives across the country during Wednesday’s demonstrations, with more than 400 injured amid a police crackdown marking the first anniversary of last year’s deadly tax-reform protests. At least five victims were confirmed shot, and police forces used live rounds, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon in Nairobi and cities including Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
Amnesty’s advisory instructs grieving families to delay burial and actively demand independent postmortems. Specifically, it outlines clearly enforceable steps:
- Retain medical records – including scans, photos, and documentation of injuries.
- Insist on a P3 medico-legal form from the hospital or police.
- Ensure independent forensic review and obtain full postmortem reports, including note and photos of the examination.
Officials emphasize that bodies must be preserved in properly refrigerated public mortuaries to prevent tampering before families make identification and request independent pathologists.
Human rights advocates warn this pattern echoes past incidents: during the 2023 unrest, police allegedly mislabeled gunshot and police-related deaths as “road accidents” or “mob justice,” obscuring accountability. Amnesty Kenya warns the latest developments may constitute another attempt to cover up state brutality.
Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) have urged comprehensive investigations into the killings. Their demands coincide with a mounting call from civil society—including the Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute—for transparent public inquiries and justice.
President William Ruto’s government is facing renewed scrutiny. The crackdown also involved heavy restrictions on media coverage, with broadcasters such as KTN and NTV pulled off-air under a government directive banning live reporting of the protests .
As families seek truth over silence, a nation watches closely. The integrity of postmortem investigations now lies at the heart of a broader fight for accountability—and the costly human price of silence.
