Strengthening Accountability: Social Justice Centres Confront Police Killings, Abductions and Impunity
Today marks the conclusion of a two-day training organized by Mathare Network for Social Justice Centres in partnership with Peace Brigades International. The training brought together social justice defenders and community actors to confront some of the most pressing human rights challenges facing communities across Kenya, particularly the rising cases of police killings, abductions and the culture of impunity surrounding violations of human rights.
The training provided an important platform for participants to examine the growing threats faced by citizens, human rights defenders and activists who continue to demand accountability from state institutions. Participants emphasized that the fight against police brutality and enforced disappearances cannot be left to individual victims and their families. It requires collective action, community vigilance and strong institutions capable of independently investigating allegations of abuse.
A key focus was the protection and promotion of the rights guaranteed under Article 49 and Article 50 of the Constitution of Kenya. These provisions safeguard fundamental rights relating to arrested persons and the right to a fair hearing. Participants stressed that these constitutional protections must remain meaningful in practice, particularly at a time when allegations of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture and enforced disappearances continue to raise concern.
The training also focused on sensitization on the National Coroners Service Act, Cap. 89, and the proposed amendments intended to strengthen the framework for investigating deaths. Participants discussed the importance of operationalizing an independent and effective coronial system capable of establishing the circumstances and causes of death without interference.
The proposed amendments are currently awaiting public participation, an important constitutional process that will allow citizens, civil society organizations, human rights defenders and other stakeholders to contribute to strengthening the law before its full operationalization.
An effective National Coroners Service has the potential to fundamentally transform how deaths—particularly those occurring in police custody or involving allegations of excessive use of force—are investigated. Independent determination of the cause and circumstances of death can help prevent institutions accused of wrongdoing from effectively investigating themselves.
The conclusion of this training therefore marks not an end, but a renewed commitment to defending human rights, strengthening accountability and ensuring that constitutional protections are respected.
For social justice centres and communities across Kenya, the message is clear: protecting the Constitution, defending human rights and demanding accountability is a collective responsibility.