POLITICS OF COVID-19 RESPONSE AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA AND KENYA

Abstract

This article analyses the intersection of response to Covid-19 and human rights in Nigeria and Kenya, as both countries illustrate two Covid-19 endemic and rapidly responding states to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in Nigeria and Kenya, response to Covid-19 has to be understood in relation to their respective legal and policy frameworks and policy enforcement mechanisms. The paper notes that cases of police brutality, extortion and assault on civilians during Covid-19 pandemic raise the issue of insecurity and the whole question of human rights. The paper demonstrates that governments’ emergency measures have serious implications for fundamental rights in Nigeria and Kenya, particularly those of perceived violators of the measures, the poor and vulnerable people, and women and girls.