Civic Freedoms Forum condemns unlawful use of lethal force in Narok County protest

Rights Group Demands Probe into Fatal Police Shooting of Youth in Kilgoris
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for an independent and prompt investigation into the fatal police shooting of a young man in Kilgoris, Narok County, an incident that has sparked fresh outrage in the restive region. According to a statement released by the rights body, the victim was shot dead by police officers on April 12th during a security operation, an act described as an extra-judicial killing that represents a severe violation of the right to life. The incident has further strained relations between the local community and security forces.
The KNCHR statement outlines that the shooting occurred in the Enkutoto area and alleges that the officers involved were from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU). The commission contends that the victim was unarmed and posed no immediate threat at the time of the shooting, directly challenging any potential justification of the use of lethal force. This event is cited as the latest in a series of heavy-handed security responses in the region, where tensions over land and cattle rustling have historically run high. Local leaders and family members of the deceased have echoed these allegations, demanding justice for what they call an execution.
In response to the killing, the KNCHR has issued a set of firm demands to the government. The top priority is an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to hold the perpetrators accountable. Furthermore, the commission has urged the National Police Service to thoroughly review its rules of engagement for officers deployed in conflict-prone areas like Narok, emphasizing the principle of proportionality in the use of force. They also called on the government to provide support and compensation to the victim’s grieving family.
The shooting in Kilgoris threatens to undermine recent efforts to stabilize Narok County, which has seen a high-level security reshuffle and promises of a unified approach from leaders. This incident highlights the precarious balance between maintaining public order and respecting fundamental human rights. As the calls for justice grow louder, the government’s response will be a critical test of its commitment to police reform and the rule of law. For the residents of Narok, a transparent and conclusive investigation is now paramount to preventing further erosion of public trust and to breaking the cyclical violence that has long plagued the region.