Kenneth Matiba and his wife
Source: Africa Publicity
Kenya’s flawed security and justice system has been costing taxpayers billions of shillings in compensation for unlawful detentions and torture. This has raised concerns over accountability and systemic failures within the system, a report by The Standard, a leading Kenyan newspaper, has revealed.
According to the report, one notable case is that of Kenneth Matiba, who was awarded Sh504,810,889 by the appellate court on August 16, 2017, for torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, medical expenses, and compensation for financial losses. Matiba was arrested on July 4, 1990, and detained without trial for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government.
Other victims of the flawed system, the report added, include Koigi Wamwere, who was awarded Sh12 million for detention without trial, torture, and false arraignment. Gitobu Imanyara was awarded Sh15 million for torture, illegal detention, and violation of his rights.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 82 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances since June 2024, with many victims recounting harrowing experiences of torture. The recent cases have raised concerns over the continued existence of a culture of impunity within the security forces.
The Kenyan courts have been working to address these issues, with Justice Isaac Lenaola stating that “the Kenyan Courts may have failed the people in the past, but today it can be said that the supremacy of the Constitution rather than any organ of government is what guides the Courts.”
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