Interior CS Kindiki Contests Human Rights Watch Report on Protest Fatalities Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kindiki Kithure has disputed the findings of a Human Rights Watch report claiming that 43 people were killed and hundreds injured during the August 9, 2022, general elections. According to the report, security forces used excessive force against protesters, leading to the deaths and injuries. However, Kindiki has released a statement asserting that only 25 people were killed and approximately 400 injured, disputing the higher figures cited by Human Rights Watch. Kindiki stated that the “exaggerated numbers” presented in the report were misleading and “designed to portray Kenya as a country in turmoil.” He emphasized that the government had conducted a comprehensive audit of all deaths and injuries related to the protests and that the official figures reflected the true extent of the violence. The Interior CS also accused Human Rights Watch of relying on “unverified sources” and failing to provide “credible evidence” to support their claims. He added that the government was committed to upholding human rights but would not tolerate the spread of false information. Kindiki’s statement has sparked debate, with some civil society organizations supporting his position and others expressing concern about the possibility of underreporting of deaths and injuries. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced that it will conduct its own investigation into the protest-related violence. The Human Rights Watch report has brought renewed attention to the issue of police brutality and excessive use of force in Kenya. Kindiki’s response has initiated a dialogue on the importance of accurate reporting and accountability for human rights violations.Interior CS Kindiki Disputes Human Rights Reports on Protest DeathsInterior CS Kindiki Disputes Human Rights Reports on Protest Deaths Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has refuted reports from human rights organizations claiming that dozens of people were killed and hundreds injured during recent anti-Finance Bill and anti-government protests. Speaking on Citizen TV’s “The Tonight Show” on Thursday night, Kindiki stated that only 25 individuals lost their lives during the demonstrations, contradicting higher estimates from human rights groups. He also revealed that approximately 400 people were injured, including 43 police officers. Kindiki specifically addressed allegations of a “Githurai massacre,” stating that investigations confirmed they were not true. He reiterated the government’s commitment to investigating all deaths and prosecuting those responsible. The majority of the 25 fatalities, according to Kindiki, were the result of gunshot wounds, while others died from injuries sustained during beatings. He explained that the government has activated specialized units to investigate the source of ammunition used in the shootings and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. While acknowledging that some instances of excessive force were employed by police officers, Kindiki defended their actions. He emphasized that law enforcement is permitted to use lethal force in exceptional circumstances to protect lives. “Law enforcers are allowed to use lethal force but only in very exceptional circumstances where their own lives or the lives of people are in grave danger,” Kindiki said. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) previously reported that 43 people were killed and over 600 injured during the protests. Despite the conflicting figures, Kindiki stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and justice for all victims of violence.Interior Cabinet Secretary Disputes Human Rights Reports on Protest Deaths Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has disputed reports by human rights groups that 100 people were killed during recent protests over the August 9 general election. Matiang’i said on Monday that the government’s records indicate that only 25 people were killed and 400 injured during the demonstrations. “We have no evidence of 100 people being killed. We have a detailed list of the 25 people who died,” he said. Matiang’i accused human rights groups of “exaggerating” the number of deaths to “tarnish the image of the government.” However, human rights groups have maintained that their reports are based on credible information gathered from witnesses and victims. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called on the government to investigate the deaths and hold those responsible accountable. The protests were sparked by allegations that the election had been rigged in favor of President Uhuru Kenyatta. The Supreme Court has since upheld Kenyatta’s victory.