Reports of Extrajudicial Killings in Kenya

On December 8th, 2014, Al Jazeera reported, through its own investigation, that “Kenyan police have assassinated nearly 500 terror suspects as part of an extrajudicial killing program supported by intelligence provided by Israel and the United Kingdom.” According to the report, the anti-terrorism unit in Kenya, called Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) went after and killed those suspected of terror activities. 

Also according to the report, “The ATPU officers contend that Kenya’s weak judicial system had forced them to resort to assassinations, as police have failed to produce strong enough evidence to prosecute terror suspects. “If the law cannot work, there’s another option… eliminate him,” an officer explained.”

However, the government, under Uhuru Kenyatta has denied that there were any such orders.

There are a number of issues taking place here. For one, according to the statements given, the police are carrying out killings of individuals instead of going through trials. And the government, according to the statements, has been ordering this. In addition, it is important to note that outside countries are reported to be offering information, as well as “training, equipment and intelligence to Kenya officers on how to “eliminate” suspects targeted by Kenya security forces” (Al Jazeera, 2014). It is critical to examine whether they knew that their information would lead to the killings of individuals who were not given trials. 

In addition, as The Guardian explains, it is important to note that “Britain has faced previous allegations that its counter-terrorism efforts have led to complicity in human rights abuses overseas. Last week’s parliamentary report into Fusilier Lee Rigby’s death found Britain had a close relationship with Kenya’s anti-terrorism efforts, spearheaded by the anti-terrorist police unit, ATPU.” The report also calls for Britain to put more pressure on Kenya regarding human rights, instead of merely believing what the Kenyan government is saying about the individuals they are fighting (The Guardian, 2014).

Again, of course it is critical to fight terrorism. But that in no way give the government free reign to kill anyone that they merely say is a threat; this is why it is important to uphold human rights, even when fighting groups domestically. It will be important to see if  any additional information comes out from these events.