The International Justice Mission has called for sweeping reforms in Kenya’s criminal justice system, citing police impunity, cover-ups and years-long delays in prosecuting abuse cases.
Speaking at the Day of Delayed Justice event in Nairobi on Monday, June 23, Vincent Chahale, the group’s country director, urged the government to expedite trials involving police brutality and enforced disappearances.
“This day is not just symbolic. It is a reckoning. Behind every delayed case lies a grieving family, a silenced voice and a broken promise,” Chahale declared.
The event, brought together former Chief Justice David Maraga, Justice Alexander Muteti, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Isaack Hassan and other leaders.
Organisers launched a documentary spotlighting the death of Moses Wanyoike, who was allegedly shot by a police officer in a case marred by concealment.
The film portrays the entrenched challenges that continue to undermine accountability within law enforcement and the courts.
Chahale referenced high-profile examples including the 2016 murder of Willie Kimani, Josephat Mwenda and Joseph Muiruri in a case referred to as the Mavoko 3, whose trial dragged on for nearly seven years.
“Despite its prominence, the Mavoko 3 case exposed how deeply rooted delays and cover-ups are in our justice system,” he noted, adding, “Unfortunately, similar tragedies persist.”
He also cited unresolved cases such as the Kianjokoma brothers, the Mukuru 8, Baby Pendo, Albert Ojwang and nearly 60 people allegedly killed during the Gen Z protests in 2024.
“These are not just statistics,” Chahale observed. “They are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. Their deaths demand not only justice but timely and fair justice.”
He called on the judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, police and civil society to work together to end impunity.
“Let June 23 be more than a day of remembrance,” Chahale urged, saying, “Let it be a day when we declare no more delays, no more cover-ups and no more impunity.”
