The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is demanding that all reported cases of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances be investigated thoroughly and the findings made public.
KNCHR in a statement on Thursday raised concern over what it termed as an alarming rise in abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings across the country.
The commission wants the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to 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," the commission's chairperson Roseline Odede said.
Odede termed it as a disturbing trend that threatens the very fabric of society.
KNCHR emphasised the urgency of protecting citizens’ rights to life, personal liberty, and security and urged the government to take decisive measures to end this violence.
According to KNCHR, these human rights abuses have rapidly escalated since June 2024.
The commission said it has already investigated 60 cases of extrajudicial killings and 71 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances.
"This surge is alarming and unacceptable. No Kenyan should live in fear of being abducted or killed, and no family should suffer the trauma of a disappeared loved one,” Odede said.
KNCHR has outlined several human rights violations stemming from these incidents, including breaches of the right to life as guaranteed by Article 26 of the Kenyan Constitution, violations of personal liberty and security under Articles 29 and 30, and the stifling of civic space as enshrined in Articles 33 and 37.
Furthermore, the commission highlighted an alarming rise in femicide cases, labeling this trend as a blatant violation of the rights of girls and women in our country.
The Commission called upon the Inspector General and top police officials to address these issues with transparency and restore public trust in law enforcement agencies.
It has recommended that police reforms be implemented too enhance accountability within the National Police Service and other security forces.
These include 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," Odede said.
"The government must show the public that it does not tolerate such violations, regardless of the perpetrators’ positions or affiliations,” Odede said.
KNCHR has also recommended that a fund to provide compensation and support to families of victims of enforced disappearances, abductions, and extrajudicial killings be formed.
Odede said the Government must address the financial and psychological needs of these families, who often face severe hardships due to the loss of a loved one.
