Shocking Revelations of Torture and Cover-Up
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has exposed a disturbing pattern of abductions and state negligence during a court session. The commission revealed that individuals abducted in December 2024 were handed between Ksh. 2,000 and Ksh. 3,000 by their captors and instructed not to disclose their ordeal. The money was reportedly meant to facilitate their return home after being abandoned in remote areas. The commission’s lawyer stated that the abductees were subjected to severe torture. “The petitioners were stripped naked for days, forcibly shaved, and physically assaulted,” the court heard.
Holding the State Accountable
Appearing before Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the KNCHR argued that the National Police Service (NPS) must be held responsible for these abductions. The commission claimed that state agents were complicit in the ordeal and sought justice for the victims.
In solidarity, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Katiba Institute joined other petitioners in demanding the state produce other missing persons, dead or alive. LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the inaction, saying, “The duty bearers have failed to produce the missing individuals, yet they control public resources and cannot feign ignorance of their whereabouts.”
Evidence of Abduction Epidemic
During the court session, video evidence was presented, showing chilling footage of the abductions. One clip featured plainclothes officers arresting Amnesty International Director Hughton Irungu, while another showed President William Ruto promising to end abductions under his administration.
Lawyer Martha Karua emphasized the growing prevalence of these abductions. “This has become a national epidemic, and we must demonstrate a clear pattern of state involvement from the highest levels of authority,” Karua stated.
Contempt of Court Allegations
The court also heard that the respondents failed to comply with orders to release two missing persons, who have now been unaccounted for over a month. Lawyer Dudley Ochiel accused state agencies of being in contempt of court and demanded accountability.
As the case continues, human rights organizations and legal advocates are pressing for systemic reforms to curb forced disappearances and ensure justice for victims.
