shield arrow-simple-alt-top arrow-simple-alt-left arrow-simple-alt-right arrow-simple-alt-bottom facebook instagram linkedin medium pinterest rss search-alt shaper twitter video-play arrow-long-right arrow-long-left arrow-long-top arrow-long-bottom arrow-simple-right arrow-simple-left arrow-simple-bottom readio arrow-simple-top speaker-down plus minus cloud hb pin camera globe cart rotate Group-35 star edit arrow-top arrow-right arrow-left arrow-bottom check search Close square speaker-up speaker-mute return play pause love new-tab equalizer
Back to Stories

#DelayedJustice in Kenya

Share

#DelayedJustice in Kenya

On the 5 Year Anniversary of IJM Lawyer Willie Kimani's Death, we are as committed as ever to seeing justice for both the victims and the suspects of police abuse of power. Justice has been delayed for too long.

T

oday we mark five years since the murder of our colleague Willie Kimani, our client Josephat Mwenda and trusted driver Joseph Muiruri. Even as we commemorate this day, we are alive to the fact that the case is taking an inordinately long time in court and delaying justice for our brothers. This is not the only case taking long in the justice system.

Today we are encouraged that the new Chief Justice in Kenya Martha Koome has pledged to reduce the time cases take in court to a maximum of three years. This will ensure speedy resolution of cases and justice for both the victims and the suspects. #DelayedJustice

From left to right: Josephat Mwenda (IJM client), Willie Kimani (IJM Kenya human rights lawyer) and Joseph Muiruri (trusted IJM driver).

From our casework experience, murder trials especially those involving police officers take an average of five years to conclude in court, we call upon the justice actors in the Judiciary, ODPP, DCI, LSK and IPOA to work closely to resolve such cases in a short time. We welcome the new initiative by justice actors led by the DPP in the recently launched Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Investigation & Prosecution of Serious Human Rights Violations Committed by Police Officers.

Delayed Justice leads to psychological distress to the families of victims as they struggle with the healing process. The long cases put their lives on hold since it's difficult to find closure while the case is still in court.

Delayed justice is a double tragedy for these families.

IJM Kenya is working on the ground with partners to address police brutality, and accompany victims of police abuse until they are delivered justice.

Learn more about IJM's work in Kenya
to tackle police abuse of power and delayed justice for victims of abuse.

You might also be interested in…

About Stories see more
First trial for crimes against humanity in Kenya
Survivors and Justice Centres unite to demand end to Police Brutality in Kenya

COVID-19 curfews have led to a surge in cases of police violence in Kenya. IJM and partners have recorded 23 possible deaths as a result of police brutality during the curfew period alone. IJM Kenya and others in the Police Reforms Working Group have released statements against this abuse and started monitoring cases. Activists and survivor networks across Kenya are advocating for an end to impunity for police violence.

You Can Help Send Rescue Today.

When you give a gift today, you’ll be fighting slavery, violence, and injustice across the globe. Together, we can end slavery and violence in our lifetime.

You can make the most impact as a Freedom Partner today.

Your generous monthly support will help send rescue to vulnerable children and families at a moment’s notice, stand with them as they rebuild their lives in freedom and have perpetrators held accountable.

Login

Donor Portal

Review your giving, tax statements and contact info via the IJM Donor Portal.

please sign in
Email Sign Up
Get updates from IJM on stories from the field, events in your area and opportunities to get involved.
sign up