The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) has discoursed that 29 people are still missing since the protests in June 2024.
The commission stated that the abductions were perpetuated clandestinely, with unidentified armed persons.
The abductions began in June 2024 when Genz’s began anti-protest against the Finance Bill 2024 where some were killed.
Photo: Courtesy
Since then, those abducted have been vocal dissidents particularly on social media.
In the last three months, there have been 13 more cases of abductions or enforced disappearances which has brought the umber to 82 total cases since June 2024.
Seven of the recent abductions were reported on the month of December with six still missing.
Having stated about the abductions, KNHCR warned that if those patterns continued, they would rapidly retrogress back to the dark days of Kenyan history when such attacks were primarily to inflict fear on any person critical of the government.
On 26th December 2024, the Inspector General of Police has stated that police officers were not responsible for the ensuing abductions.
Statement on the Recent Surge of Abductions/Enforced Disappearances in Kenya.
There have been thirteen (13) more cases of abductions or enforced disappearances in the last
three (3) months bringing to eighty-two (82) the total cases since June 2024. Seven (7) of the
recent… pic.twitter.com/wZP1XL4quR— KNCHR (@HakiKNCHR) December 26, 2024
The Chairperson of KNCHR, Roseline Odede reminded the National Police Service of its role in securing every person in Kenya such violent acts particularly noting that the abductions were happening in broad daylight with some being captured on CCTV but still arrest not taking place.
KNCHR noted that the government should play its role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of everyone in Kenya and also the need to prioritize and protect rights of everyone in Kenya.
Regarding all these, the Commission has urged the Inspector General to let Kenyans know the person who is perpetuating those abductions and protect them from such occurrences.
According to KNCHR, abductions are torture, cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment, a non derogable right.
