Human rights activist and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid has accused police in parts of central Kenya of frustrating families seeking justice for loved ones killed during recent anti-government protests.
Speaking during a visit to Makutano on Thursday, Khalid said families in Embu, Meru, and Kirinyaga are facing deliberate obstacles as they try to report police killings and pursue investigations.
“There seems to be a deliberate effort to frustrate justice in Embu, Meru, and Kirinyaga,” Khalid said.
“Police are doing everything they can to stop locals from seeking the truth about those who were killed.”
He cited the case of James Murethi, who he claims was fatally shot by police in the Makutano area.
“To date, no Occurrence Book (OB) number has been issued for his case,” he said. “Why aren’t families getting OB numbers when their loved ones are killed?”
Khalid directed sharp questions at top officials, including Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
“This question goes straight to Kanja and Murkomen,” he said, “Why are you frustrating the process of getting justice in this region?”
The activist contrasted the situation in central Kenya with other parts of the country where, he said, the process is more transparent.
“Everywhere else we’ve gone, police issue OB numbers and post-mortems are conducted without issue,” he noted.
“In these areas, however, there are attempts to silence families. As we speak, there are ongoing funerals, and DCI officers are patrolling those communities, trying to intimidate mourners whose loved ones were killed during the protests.”
Khalid reminded authorities that protesting is a constitutional right and condemned efforts to scare or harass families seeking accountability.
“No one should be threatened for demanding justice,” he said. “These families deserve answers, not intimidation.
