IMLU sounds alarm over spike in human rights violations

 

The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) has sounded the alarm over a spike in human rights violations in Kenya in 2022.

 

IMLU’s Programme Officer, Livingstone Nyando, said the organization has documented more than 100 cases of torture and related violations of human rights since January this year, a significant rise from the number recorded in the same period in 2021.

 

Ndando made the remarks in Murang’a town on October 12, where he was addressing community leaders drawn from the bodaboda, women, youth and business sectors.

 

“We are hoping that this is going to change, that people will not be killed aimlessly and that due process will be followed by the police,” he said.

 

“If someone is suspected of any wrongdoing, they should be reported to the nearby police station and should have their day in court to be prosecuted and evidence tabled against them,” he added.

 

Nyando disclosed the IMLU was in partnership with other organizations such as FIDA and Defenders Coalition, as well as a network of journalist, doctors and lawyers who cover torture cases.

The organization, birthed nearly 20 years ago, works to provide an organizational framework for responding to the then extremely worrying cases of torture in Kenya within the context of the obtaining political and governance conditions.

 

It prevents and responds to torture and related violations to ensure healing, justice and accountability.

 

Nyando said IMLU receives about 200 cases of torture annually.

He urged the government to consider funding the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to capacitate it to better undertake its functions that include investigating deaths and serious injuries caused by police actions and investigating police misconduct among others.