The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has voiced grave concerns over a surge in abductions targeting government critics, with four individuals reported missing over the weekend. These latest cases bring the total number of disappearances to 82 since anti-government protests began in June.
Among the missing are social media users who had shared AI-generated images of President William Ruto, which government supporters deemed offensive.
Speaking on Thursday, Commission Chairperson Roselyne Odede warned of a return to the “dark days” of enforced disappearances reminiscent of the late President Daniel Moi’s era, during which government critics frequently faced abduction and torture.
“We remind the National Police Service of its duty to protect Kenyans from such violent acts,” said Odede. “Some abductions have even been captured on CCTV, yet no arrests have been made.”
While human rights organizations allege police involvement, authorities have denied responsibility, stating that investigations are underway.
A coalition of 21 human rights groups issued a joint statement urging accountability for the abductions. “Failure to act sets a dangerous precedent and emboldens further human rights violations,” the statement emphasized.
International attention has also been drawn to the issue. In October, nine European envoys expressed concerns about enforced disappearances and called on President Ruto’s administration to ensure justice. This followed the abduction and forced repatriation of four Turkish nationals who had registered with the U.N. as asylum seekers.
The surge in disappearances casts a shadow over Kenya’s recent election to the U.N. Human Rights Council, highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability.