The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed deep concern over the increasing abductions of government critics, with four individuals reported missing over the weekend.
This brings the total number of disappearances to 82 since the start of anti-government protests in June. Among the latest cases are four social media users who vanished after sharing AI-generated images of President William Ruto that were deemed offensive by government supporters.
On Thursday, the KNCHR warned that Kenya risked returning to the “dark days” of enforced disappearances and repression of dissent, reminiscent of the era under former President Daniel Moi, when the abduction and torture of opposition figures were widespread.
Commission chairperson Roselyne Odede called on the National Police Service (NPS) to take action, emphasizing the alarming frequency of abductions occurring openly, some even captured on CCTV.
“We remind the NPS of its duty to protect all Kenyans from such violent acts. The absence of arrests, despite clear evidence, is deeply troubling,” Odede stated.
Human rights organizations have alleged that security forces are behind the abductions. However, the police have denied involvement, claiming ongoing investigations into the disappearances.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, 21 rights groups urged authorities to hold perpetrators accountable, warning that inaction could embolden further human rights violations.
“Failing to address these abductions sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public trust in justice,” the statement read.
In October, nine European envoys voiced their concerns over the rise in enforced disappearances, urging President Ruto to ensure accountability and justice.
This came after four Turkish nationals, registered with the U.N. as asylum seekers, were abducted and forcibly repatriated despite citing threats to their lives in their home country.
Kenya, recently elected to the U.N. Human Rights Council in October, faces mounting scrutiny over its human rights record.
