In July 2024, mutilated bodies were discovered in Mukuru Kwa Njenga quarry, and Human Rights Watch, along with the Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre, urged Kenyan authorities to conclude their investigation and disclose findings. The inquiry must address allegations of police intimidation toward community members and activists involved in retrieving the bodies.
Volunteers faced police threats as they attempted to collect evidence, leading to fears among relatives of missing persons that a cover-up may be underway. “Rather than obstruct the retrieval of bodies, Kenyan police should promptly and thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding dumping of bodies at the quarry,” stated Otsieno Namwaya from Human Rights Watch, calling for accountability.
Human Rights Watch and its partners interviewed 21 individuals, including relatives of victims and local activists, while examining autopsy reports of some bodies retrieved. Reports indicated that since July 12, police, including the Directorate of Criminal Intelligence and anti-riot units, have actively prevented community members from recovering more bodies, going so far as to warn that noncompliance would lead to criminal charges.
Three days after authorities halted the body retrieval, witnesses reported a fire at the quarry, suspected to be an effort by police to destroy evidence. Volunteers expressed concern over police aggression, having faced tear gas and live ammunition when trying to access the site. The retrieval operations were initially successful, but police interference escalated tensions within the community.
The bodies surfaced around the same time as police repression against protestors opposing new tax proposals, indicating a wider context of violence and repression. Many families are still without information concerning their missing loved ones. Despite discovering multiple bags of body parts, threats continued against volunteers, with one recounting close calls with abduction from armed police. “If the public had not intervened… I might never come back,” he expressed, highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking justice.
As volunteers collected at least 30 gunny bags within a week, the police made a questionable arrest of a suspect alleging responsibility for killing 42 women and subsequently reported that he escaped. There have been no prosecutions related to either the bodies or the suspect’s flight from custody.
The pathologist’s findings are grim: many bodies were severed, with various causes of death remaining undetermined. Despite the horror, some bodies were identified—relatives, desperate for closure, buried their loved ones but many others remain missing, raising urgent accountability concerns.
Authorities are urged to expedite the identification and retrieval of remaining body parts and ensure ongoing support for those who braved police opposition to bring attention to this tragedy. David Anami called for government intervention, stating, “President William Ruto should ensure that volunteers… are not threatened… for simply performing their civic duty.”
Following the discovery of mutilated bodies in Mukuru Kwa Njenga quarry in July 2024, Human Rights Watch and local advocates demand a transparent investigation by Kenyan authorities. They highlight allegations of police intimidation against volunteers and community members attempting to recover bodies. Despite claims of a suspect in custody, justice remains elusive as many families are still searching for their missing loved ones amidst fears of retribution against those seeking truth.
In summary, the investigation into the bodies found at Mukuru Kwa Njenga quarry has uncovered a disturbing pattern of police intimidation and community fear. Human Rights organisations call for a thorough and transparent inquiry to reveal the truth behind these atrocities and ensure justice for victims. The involvement of community members, the tragic loss of several individuals, and the ongoing struggle against police repression paint a bleak picture of human rights in Kenya, emphasising the need for accountability at every level of law enforcement.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
