The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has signed a new anti-torture law that guarantees Kenyans freedom from torture, cruelty, and punishment.
“The new law outlines the principles of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” Reads the statement by the State House, office of the President.
The legislation provides for compensation to victims of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
It further stated that the new law empowers the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to investigate alleged violations under the Act.
KNCHR documented multiple human rights violations and breaches of the law committed by security agencies against innocent civilians, particular members of Kenya’s Muslim Somali community.The report documented over 120 cases of egregious human rights violations in the East African country, including 25 extrajudicial killings and 81 enforced disappearances.
The law also empowers KNCHR to monitor compliance by the State with international treaty obligations relating to torture and inhuman treatment. Also the mandate to advise the government, liaise with public entities and work with enforcement agencies in matters relating to torture.
https://twitter.com/PresidentKE/status/852443609970376704
