Kenyan activist Davis Lichuma has been found alive but in critical condition, days after disappearing during anti-government protests in Nairobi.
Human rights groups say Lichuma was discovered at Kenyatta National Hospital before being moved to Nairobi Women’s Hospital for specialized care, according to Capital FM. The Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG), which confirmed his location, alleges he was abducted, tortured, and later abandoned at the hospital.
SJCWG says Lichuma was unable to speak when he was found, raising concern about the extent of the alleged abuse in captivity.
“We demand an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the injuries or trauma he may have sustained, and those responsible for his unlawful detention and subsequent abandonment,” the group said.
Lichuma went missing following protests near Parliament. He was one of seven activists rights groups say were seized during the demonstrations. Six others were later found along Lang’ata Road on Saturday with injuries consistent with assault. Lichuma remained missing until reports emerged that he had been left at KNH.
The case has drawn condemnation from civil society. Activist Boniface Mwangi accused security operatives of orchestrating enforced disappearances tied to the protests. Lawyer Willis Otieno called the alleged treatment “incompatible with democratic principles and the rule of law” and wished Lichuma a full recovery.
The National Police Service said it received a missing person’s report at Central Police Station. Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said all allegations of enforced disappearance and torture will be investigated “thoroughly, professionally, impartially and expeditiously” and reiterated the police’s commitment to constitutional rights.
SJCWG and other groups say Lichuma’s survival does not reduce the need for accountability. They are asking: Who took him, where was he held, who ordered the torture, and why was he abandoned?
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s security agencies amid warnings from rights organizations about a resurgence of disappearances targeting protesters and government critics.
