Police Respond to Torture and Disappearance Claims as Pressure Mounts Over Missing Activists
The National Police Service (NPS) has acknowledged growing public concern over allegations of enforced disappearances and torture that have been widely shared across mainstream media and social media platforms in recent days.
In a statement seen by Newshub.co.ke on June 28, the police confirmed that they are aware of the reports and said several police stations across the country have received complaints involving people who have allegedly gone missing under unclear circumstances.
One of the cases officially confirmed by the police is that of Davis Lichuma. According to the NPS, a missing person report regarding Lichuma was formally recorded at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, making it one of the few disappearance cases publicly acknowledged by the authorities.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted allegations circulating in mainstream and social media regarding enforced disappearances and torture,” the statement read. “Furthermore, we acknowledge receipt of a report of a missing person, namely Davis Lichuma, which was made at Central Police Station in Nairobi.”
The police assured the public that the matter is being treated seriously and promised that investigators would carry out a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation to establish the facts surrounding the disappearance. The service emphasized that all reports of missing persons and alleged human rights violations would be handled in accordance with the law.
In addition, the NPS appealed to members of the public who may have information about enforced disappearances, torture, or any other form of human rights abuse to report such incidents at the nearest police station. The police said public cooperation would be important in helping investigators gather evidence and determine what happened in the reported cases.
“We therefore urge anyone with information or specific allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, or other human rights violations to report the matter immediately at the nearest police station,” the NPS stated.
The police statement was released only hours after families of the missing activists, accompanied by human rights organizations including Vocal Africa, addressed the media and demanded immediate government action.
The group was also joined by retired Chief Justice David Maraga, who supported calls for accountability and justice.
During the press briefing, the families gave the government a 24-hour ultimatum to produce their missing loved ones or explain their whereabouts.
They warned that failure to respond to their demands could trigger nationwide demonstrations as pressure continues to build over the alleged disappearances.
Among those whose families are demanding answers are Davis Lichuma, Macmillan Kiari, and Abdulaziz Molo, popularly known as Zizo.
Their relatives insist they have disappeared under suspicious circumstances and are calling on the authorities to ensure their safe return.
The renewed concerns have also drawn attention to Kenya’s human rights record. According to Freedom House’s latest assessment of civil liberties and political rights, Kenya’s overall freedom score declined from 52 out of 100 in 2024 to 49 out of 100 in 2026.
The country remains classified as “Partly Free,” reflecting growing concerns over the state of democratic freedoms and civic space.
The report attributes the decline to several developments witnessed over the past three years, including the government’s response to anti-government protests, the impeachment of the Deputy President in 2024, and the reported abductions of bloggers, activists, and government critics during 2025.
These events, according to the report, have contributed to increased pressure on civil liberties and freedom of expression.
The latest allegations also contrast with repeated assurances made by President William Ruto, who has on several occasions pledged to end enforced disappearances, unlawful abductions, and the torture of government critics.
Despite those promises, human rights organizations and affected families argue that such incidents have continued to occur, raising fresh questions about accountability and the protection of fundamental rights in the country.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on the government and security agencies to provide answers regarding the missing activists and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Kenyans.
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