A police officer attacking a demonstrator in Nairobi. Photo/AP
By Newsflash Writer
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a stark warning over what it describes as a deepening human rights crisis, urging the Inspector-General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations into killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and deaths in custody.
In a new report covering December 2024 to December 2025, the Commission further calls on the government to allocate adequate resources to strengthen investigations under the Prevention of Torture Act, 2017.
According to the report, The State of Human Rights in Kenya, deteriorating socio-economic conditions—rising poverty, limited access to health services, food insecurity, and inadequate housing—have greatly influenced the enjoyment of civil and political rights.
These pressures heightened frustrations among young people, fuelling the Gen Z-led protests witnessed across the country. While these demonstrations are constitutionally protected, they were often met with excessive force, culminating in deaths, arrests, and injuries that raised serious accountability concerns.
Security agencies blamed for rising killings
KNCHR documented 57 violations of the right to life during the review period, with most deaths occurring during civic unrest in June and July 2025. Several cases shocked the country, including the killing of human rights defender Richard Raymond Otieno in Elburgon, the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki Wainaina in Kiambu, and the murder of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi, a Dadaab refugee. Others include the fatal shooting of five people in Angata Barikoi, the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang at Central Police Station, and the killing of Joshua Steven Nderitu during protests in Nairobi.
The Commission says many of these violations were allegedly committed by security agents, although it also acknowledges that several officers were themselves killed in the line of duty. KNCHR expresses strong concern over the lack of full operationalization of the National Coroners Service Act, eight years after its passage, saying it is key to independent investigations into violent deaths.
The Commission recommends the immediate operationalization of the Coroners Service, speedy investigations by the Inspector-General, and rapid IPOA action on enforced disappearances and deaths in custody. It also urges the government to invest in investigative capacity as required under the Prevention of Torture Act.
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Beyond killings, the Commission documented 661 complaints related to the right to freedom and security of the person, including torture, arbitrary detention, and 15 cases of abduction. Victims include fishermen like Brian Odhiambo, who has been missing since January 2025, and the still-unresolved case of Musili of the Kitengela Three.
KNCHR raises additional concern over abuses linked to “Operation Maliza Uhalifu” in North Rift counties, reporting 12 complaints of abductions, torture, and unlawful killings. It warns of cross-border incursions in Marsabit, Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, and Lamu, and calls for security operations to strictly adhere to constitutional standards.
The Commission further advocates for the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the development of a comprehensive Marshall Plan to address the root causes of insecurity and banditry.
Abuse of assembly rights
On the right to assembly under Article 37, KNCHR notes increased violations during protests, especially in Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, and Uasin Gishu. The Commission documented 661 injuries, 149 arbitrary arrests, and widespread use of masked officers and hired motorbike gangs who attacked demonstrators and bystanders. It condemns the concealment of police identities, terming it a violation of a High Court directive prohibiting hooded operations.
To remedy this, KNCHR urges investigations into individuals who mobilized violent groups to disrupt peaceful protests, strict enforcement of visible police identification, and new public-order legislation aligned with constitutional and international human rights standards. It also calls for fast-tracked regulations on police use of force.
Regarding freedom of expression and media, the Commission reports a sharp increase in attacks on journalists, especially during protests and state events.
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Media personnel from Nation Media Group, Standard Group, Royal Media Services, KTN News, and Kameme TV faced beatings, equipment destruction, harassment, and denial of access. Journalists including Daniel Chege, Steve Okedi, Ephantus Maina, Mable Achieng’, Kamau Mwangi, James Maina and Wahu Ngugi were among those assaulted.
KNCHR warns that such patterns reflect a systemic erosion of press freedom and undermine the public’s right to information. The Commission also criticizes the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying it fails constitutional tests and allows arbitrary enforcement.
It calls on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate attacks on journalists, urges the government to safeguard freedom of expression and media independence, demands restraint from the Communications Authority, and calls on political actors to respect media freedoms.
KNCHR concludes that strengthening accountability systems, respecting constitutional rights, and prioritizing justice for victims are essential to reversing Kenya’s worsening human rights situation.
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