Kenya: HRW calls for probe into post-election violence

By Andrew Wasike and Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya

Human Rights Watch (HRW) in Kenya released a report Monday on post-election killings and abuses calling for investigations on the alleged use of excessive force by police.

Kenyans went to the polls on Aug. 8 to vote for a new government, but the elections were rocked by violence after President Uhuru Kenyatta was announced as the winner of the presidential election, as at least 24 people were killed in protests that ensued after the announcement.

"The police had killed at least 24 people nationwide, including one in Kisumu (a six-month-old baby) and 17 in Nairobi. The number is most likely much higher, as Kenyan media were slow in reporting on the violence and families have been afraid to speak out," read the report.

Otsieno Namwaya, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch said: "The brutal crackdown on protesters and residents in the western counties, part of a pattern of violence and repression in opposition strongholds, undermined the national elections, Kenyan authorities should urgently put a stop to police abuse and hold those responsible to account".

HRW called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a civilian police accountability institution, to investigate the matter.

Police officials were not immediately available for comment.

The opposition has filed a petition claiming the elections were rigged.