In a deeply troubling development, Kenya’s human rights organizations have documented cases of alleged torture, brutal beatings, and abandonment of protesters following their arrest during memorial gatherings commemorating the 2024 protests where at least 60 individuals were killed by security forces. According to reports from Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), six individuals were found abandoned by the roadside in Nairobi after being detained, while one protester remains forcibly disappeared, raising serious concerns about state security practices and impunity.
Allegations of Torture and Abandonment
On Thursday, June 27, 2025, Kenyan authorities arrested six protesters—Collins Ochieng, Muteti Mulinge, Michael Ngigi, Elisha Alam, Fredrick Ojiro, and Christine Walubengo—during a memorial march marking the second anniversary of the 2024 protests, which resulted in the deaths of 60 people at the hands of security forces. The six individuals were reportedly detained outside Parliament and subsequently disappeared, with no official communication from law enforcement regarding their whereabouts.
By Saturday morning, three of the missing protesters were found abandoned by the roadside in different parts of Nairobi, according to KHRC. The remaining three were discovered later in the day, all alleging severe beatings and torture while in police custody. Amnesty International Kenya confirmed that the survivors are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during their detention.
However, Davis Lichuma, another protester who was arrested alongside the group, remains forcibly disappeared. His whereabouts are unknown, and no official statement has been issued regarding his status, deepening fears of enforced disappearances—a persistent issue in Kenya’s history of state repression.
Widespread Arrests and Judicial Proceedings
Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced that over 355 individuals were arrested nationwide on Thursday, as demonstrators gathered to honor the victims of the 2024 protests. Many of those detained were brought before courts on Friday, though details on their legal proceedings remain scarce.
The six survivors reported to authorities that they were brutally assaulted by police officers while in custody, with some describing kicks, punches, and electric shocks as methods of coercion. Their injuries included fractures, lacerations, and internal bruising, according to medical personnel who examined them upon their release.
Demands for Accountability and Independent Investigations
Human rights groups have urgently called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations. Amnesty International Kenya stated:
“These allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment demand an immediate, independent, and impartial investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Those responsible must be held accountable.”
The call for accountability comes amid Kenya’s long-standing history of police brutality and enforced disappearances. Since the June-July 2024 protests, at least 127 people have been killed by security forces, according to the Police Reforms Advocacy Coalition (PRAC), with many cases remaining uninvestigated and unpunished.
A Pattern of Impunity
The 2024 protests, triggered by economic hardship, political repression, and perceived government mismanagement, escalated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The 60 deaths reported in 2024 were part of a broader trend of state-sponsored violence, with snipers, live ammunition, and excessive force used against unarmed demonstrators.
In 2025, similar protests erupted during the same period, leading to another wave of killings and arrests. The lack of transparency in investigations and the failure to prosecute perpetrators have emboldened security forces, leading to continued human rights abuses.
Human Rights Groups’ Statements and Urgent Calls for Justice
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) condemned the disappearance and torture of protesters, stating:
“Three more comrades have been found dumped. Together with the three who were found earlier, they report being brutally assaulted by police while in custody. Meanwhile, Davis Lichuma remains forcibly disappeared, and his whereabouts are still unknown. The Kenyan government must immediately halt these abuses and ensure justice for the victims.”
Amnesty International Kenya emphasized that torture and enforced disappearances are violations of international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The organization urged the Kenyan government to comply with its obligations under regional and international human rights frameworks.
Broader Context: Kenya’s Struggle with State Violence
Kenya’s history of police brutality and extrajudicial killings dates back decades, with post-election violence (2007-2008), anti-corruption protests (2018), and economic demonstrations (2020-2024) all marked by excessive use of force. Despite public outcry and international condemnation, few cases have led to meaningful prosecutions, reinforcing a culture of impunity.
The 2024 and 2025 protests have exposed systemic failures in law enforcement accountability, with military and police forces operating with near-total impunity. Rights groups warn that without urgent reforms, the cycle of violence and abuse will continue unchecked.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate Action
The disappearance of Davis Lichuma and the alleged torture of six protesters serve as shocking reminders of Kenya’s ongoing human rights crisis. The Kenyan government must immediately:
– Release all arbitrarily detained protesters
– Conduct independent investigations into allegations of torture and enforced disappearances
– Hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations
– Reform security forces to ensure compliance with human rights standards
Until these measures are taken, Kenya’s democratic progress will remain stalled, and the rights of its citizens will continue to be violated with impunity. The international community must pressure the Kenyan government to uphold its legal and moral obligations to protect its people.
