The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised the alarm over the increasing cases of abductions, kidnappings, and femicides in the country, describing them as grave human rights violations.
These acts, the Commission noted, pose a significant threat to the safety, dignity, and rights of women and vulnerable groups.
In a report released on November 20, 2024, the KNCHR emphasized the growing urgency of addressing these issues, which have become more pronounced over the past year.
According to the National Police Service, 97 femicide cases were reported in the last three months alone, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.
Among the most horrifying cases was the discovery of ten decomposing bodies of women at the Kware dumpsite in Mukuru, Nairobi.
"The rise in femicide is alarming. It demands a multi-agency approach, including fast-tracking investigations and prosecutions, and enacting legislative reforms to deter such heinous acts," the KNCHR stated.
The Commission linked the surge in abductions and kidnappings to broader societal issues such as unemployment, poverty, and weak law enforcement.
From June to November 2024, the Commission documented 1,376 arbitrary arrests, 610 injuries during demonstrations, and 74 cases of enforced disappearances.
Of the missing persons, 26 remain unaccounted for, further highlighting the dire state of security.
The report also highlighted abuses during demonstrations, with injuries caused by both security officers and protestors.
The KNCHR commended the Inspector-General of Police for acknowledging deaths during the protests and called for expedited investigations and accountability.
On legislative matters, the Commission urged Parliament to fast-track laws addressing the right to life, including the Prevention of Enforced Disappearances Bill, the Abolition of the Death Penalty, and the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill.
It also called for the government to adopt the Minnesota Protocol to investigate potentially unlawful deaths.
Progressive steps by the Judiciary, such as declaring mandatory life imprisonment unconstitutional, and the commutation of death sentences by President William Ruto were acknowledged as positive measures.
“Kenya must act decisively to uphold the right to security and life for its citizens. Every life lost is a collective failure that demands urgent attention,” KNCHR emphasized.
The Commission reiterated its call for collective efforts to safeguard the safety and dignity of all Kenyans.
