Surge of Abductions and Killings in Kenya: A Call for Immediate Action and Accountability
Kenya is witnessing an unprecedented wave of abductions and killings targeting various individuals. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) expresses deep concern over the alarming rise in abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings across the country. This disturbing trend threatens the very fabric of our society and underscores a critical need for the Kenyan government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that justice is served. The Commission condemns, in the strongest terms, the lack of accountability for such grave human rights violations and urge immediate and decisive action to end this cycle of violence.
The rising trend of abductions and killings in Kenya has critical human rights implications, including but not limited to the following:
1. Violation of Right to Life: Every Kenyan has the inherent right to life, protected under Article 26 of the Constitution. Extrajudicial killings blatantly disregard this fundamental right.
2. Erosion of Personal Liberty and Security: The abductions and disappearances violate personal liberty and security, as enshrined in Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution. Citizens live in constant fear, not only of criminals but of the very forces tasked with their protection.
3. Stifling of Civic Space: The targeting of human rights defenders and activists discourages civic participation and weakens public confidence in State institutions. This environment curtails the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as outlined in Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution.
Since June 2024, the Commission, pursuant to its mandate, has investigated 60 cases of extrajudicial killings and 71 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances.
As the national human rights institution, the Commission has a mandate to monitor and promote the respect for human rights and to hold duty-bearers accountable for their actions. In line with this mandate, we unequivocally condemn the surge of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations. The Commission further condemns the unprecedented increasing in femicide cases which in unacceptable and a blatant violation on the rights of girls and women in our country. While the Government has made commitments to curb these practices, such pledges have yet to translate into effective policies or transparent accountability measures. Kenya’s National Police Service, specifically, has been flagged in multiple reports for its involvement in these grave violations. The Inspector General and other top police officials must be held accountable and transparently address these issues to restore public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Recommendations:
To address and mitigate the crisis of abductions, enforced disappearances, and killings, KNCHR urges the government to take the following measures:
1. Immediate Investigation and Prosecution: All reported cases of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances must be investigated thoroughly, with findings made public. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) should work closely with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and KNCHR to fast-track cases where State actors are implicated or have failed to act. Individuals responsible for these heinous acts, whether in government or otherwise, must face justice.
2. Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Activists: The Kenyan government must prioritize the safety of human rights defenders and social justice activists.
3. Legal and Institutional Reforms within Security Agencies: To enhance accountability within the National Police Service and other security forces, KNCHR recommends implementing police reforms, including better training on human rights standards and non-violent policing methods. KNCHR calls for the establishment of special units within security agencies dedicated solely to handling and preventing cases of human rights violations.
4. Legal and Institutional Reforms within Security Agencies: To enhance accountability within the National Police Service and other security forces, KNCHR recommends implementing police reforms, including better training on human rights standards and non-violent policing methods. KNCHR calls for the establishment of special units within security agencies dedicated solely to handling and preventing cases of human rights violations.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights stands with victims' families and condemns the recent surge in abductions and killings, asserting every Kenyan’s right to safety and dignity. KNCHR urges the Government to act decisively to end this violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and restore public trust in security and justice systems. The Commission emphasizes that prompt, united action across society is essential to safeguard citizens, warning that the cost of inaction is too great for Kenya and its people.
Roseline Odede
Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights