Patrick Osoi, a candidate for the 2027 presidential elections, has expressed profound sorrow and condemnation following the tragic death of Cullen Maina, a 24-year-old student from KCA University.
Maina, who was reportedly abducted during the recent Gen Z protests, was found deceased in a harrowing discovery that has sent shockwaves across the nation.
In a heartfelt statement, Osoi highlighted the alarming rise in extrajudicial killings and called for immediate action to address the root causes of this violence.
He pointed out the disturbing trend of dismembered bodies being found discarded in plastic bags, which he described as “completely unacceptable.
Osoi criticized the police authorities for their preliminary statements suggesting possible connections to cults, serial killers, or rogue medical practitioners.
He argued that these killings appear to be orchestrated efforts to suppress public dissent over the high cost of living and unemployment, rather than random acts of violence.
“The extrajudicial killings that are taking place appear to be a clear violation of international human rights treaties that Kenya has ratified, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Conventions against Torture and Enforced Disappearances,” Osoi stated.
He emphasized that Kenyan authorities are obligated to uphold these fundamental rights under all circumstances without exception.
In 2022, the United Nations Committee against Torture urged Kenyan authorities to take all necessary measures to end the prevalent culture of police brutality in the context of peaceful protests.
Despite this, Osoi noted that enforced disappearances and the excessive use of force, including lethal force, during arrests or the policing of demonstrations in informal urban settlements have been well-documented in the country.
Osoi also brought attention to the government’s failure to implement critical legislation passed in 2017, namely the Prevention of Torture Act and the National Coroners Service Act.
This failure has resulted in widespread impunity for perpetrators of torture and extrajudicial killings, with no police officers being prosecuted in the past decade.
Alarmingly, he highlighted that cases of torture have increased by 296% over the previous three years.
In light of these issues, Osoi called on the Kenyan President to take immediate action.
“While the Kenyan President has withdrawn the Finance Bill and dissolved the Cabinet, I urge him to safeguard the rights of Kenyans to protest and their freedom of assembly. Law enforcement officers and military personnel should act immediately,” he implored.