‘Enforced disappearances’ send a chill through Kenya’s protests

Since June 2024, Kenya has experienced a concerning surge in enforced disappearances, particularly targeting individuals involved in anti-government protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented 82 cases of abductions or enforced disappearances between June and December 2024, with 30 individuals still unaccounted for.

These incidents have predominantly affected young activists and protesters opposing the Finance Bill 2024. Notably, during nationwide protests in June 2024, at least 60 demonstrators were killed, 601 injured, and 1,376 arrested. Many of the missing individuals were last seen in police custody or following confrontations with law enforcement.

The international community has expressed alarm over these developments. In December 2024, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights reported that 29 individuals had been abducted since June, urging the Kenyan government to investigate these cases thoroughly.

Despite these concerns, Kenya lacks specific legislation criminalizing enforced disappearances, complicating efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. Human rights organizations continue to advocate for legal reforms and comprehensive investigations to address this pressing issue.

The plight of families searching for their missing loved ones underscores the urgent need for action. Without concrete measures to prevent and penalize enforced disappearances, the cycle of impunity and human rights violations is likely to persist.