The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has accused authorities of failing to address the abduction of individuals in December 2024, claiming the victims were silenced with payments of Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 3,000 by their captors. According to KHRC, the money was intended to facilitate the victims’ return home after being abandoned in unfamiliar areas.
Speaking through its legal representative, the commission revealed that the abductees endured severe torture during their captivity. “The victims were stripped naked for days, forcibly shaved, and subjected to physical assaults,” the court was told.
Appearing before Justice Bahati Mwamuye, KHRC argued that the state was directly responsible for the abductions and demanded accountability from the National Police Service (NPS).
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), in collaboration with the Katiba Institute and other petitioners, joined the call for the state to account for other missing persons, whether alive or deceased. “The duty bearers have failed to produce the missing individuals in court. As custodians of public resources, they cannot plead ignorance of their whereabouts,” stated LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
Lawyer Dudley Ochiel informed the court that two missing individuals have not been seen for over a month, adding that the authorities were in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders to produce the victims.
During the hearing, video evidence was presented, including clips showing the abduction incidents. One video featured President William Ruto pledging to end abductions under his administration, while another showed plainclothes officers detaining Amnesty International Director Hughton Irungu.
Lawyer Martha Karua condemned the rising cases of abductions, describing them as a national crisis. “This case highlights a disturbing trend, and it is clear that the state is aware of these activities at the highest levels,” Karua emphasized.
