The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed concern regarding the recent incidents of social media influencers being abducted in various regions of the country.
Data indicates that KNCHR is disheartened by the addition of 13 more cases of abductions or enforced disappearances over the past three months, resulting in a total of 82 cases since the anti-government protests began in June 2024.
According to KNCHR, seven of the recent abductions were recorded in December 2024, with six individuals still unaccounted for, which raises the total number of missing persons since June 2024 to 29.
“The Commission firmly condemns these abductions as they violate the principles outlined in the Constitution. Abductions constitute torture, cruel, degrading, and inhumane treatment: a right that cannot be suspended. Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society like ours! ” the Commission declares in a statement to the media.
The Commission further warns that if these patterns of abductions persist, “we risk quickly reverting to the dark periods of our history when such acts were largely aimed at instilling fear in anyone who criticized the Government. ”
“The KNCHR reiterates that the freedom and security of individuals under Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees each person’s right not to be arbitrarily deprived of freedom or detained without just cause, not to face any form of violence, not to be subjected to torture, and not to endure any cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. ”
On December 26, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja refuted any involvement of police officers in the recent abductions. However, KNCHR argues that such denial is insufficient.
“We remind the National Police Service of its duty to protect every individual in Kenya from such violent acts, especially noting that these abductions occur in broad daylight, with some incidents captured on CCTV, yet no arrests have been made,” the Commission laments.
The Commission now urges the government to fulfill its responsibility in safeguarding the rights and welfare of every person in Kenya. It is also reminding the government of its significant position in the international arena, including its role on the Human Rights Council, and the necessity to prioritize the promotion and protection of rights for all.
Consequently, the Commission is urging IG Kanja to hasten investigations and inform Kenyans about those responsible for these abductions, and to ensure the public is shielded from such occurrences.
The Commission additionally calls upon IG Kanja to ensure the immediate and unconditional release or court presentation of any unlawfully detained individuals, including the 29 who are still missing if they are in police custody.
