Human rights defenders in Kenya have called for urgent action over what they describe as a rise in enforced disappearances, saying dozens of families have been left without answers about missing relatives.
The calls came as Kenya marked the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on 30 August.
Civil society groups accused security agencies of operating with impunity and criticised the government for failing to uphold the rule of law.
Speaking at a community dialogue forum in Mombasa, Happy Olal, the national convener of the Social Justice Centre Working Group, said at least 19 people had disappeared in Kenya this year.
He highlighted four cases involving people from Mathare, in Nairobi, who disappeared between June and August: Michael Oloo, Abdul Aziz Ali, also known as Zizu, Macmillan Kiariye Mugo and Evans Otieno.
Olal said the families had reported the cases to police but were repeatedly told that investigations were under way.
“The police are the very institution they are supposed to trust for help, yet they are the ones perpetuating the trauma,” he said.
Several protests have been held to pressure the National Police Service to investigate the disappearances, Olal said, but he added that the efforts had so far produced little progress.
He also alleged that some kidnappers use sophisticated sports utility vehicles and dress in a manner resembling police officers, raising concerns about possible involvement by state agents.
The Nairobi-based human rights defender identified Nairobi and the coastal region as longstanding hotspots for enforced disappearances, particularly cases linked to counter-terrorism operations.
He said new areas, including Nakuru and Kitengela, had also emerged as hotspots, citing the reported abductions of Brian, Jamil and Bob Njagi.
Olal also criticised the government’s response to police violence, accusing President William Ruto of encouraging the use of force against protesters.
“The buck must stop with the president because accountability is non-negotiable,” he said.
He further raised concerns about what he described as a failure by security agencies to comply with court orders.
Olal cited police operations during recent by-elections in Ol Kalou, where he alleged that officers wearing balaclavas fired indiscriminately.
Vincent Chahale, the country director of International Justice Mission, said the organisation had launched a three-year campaign, known as “Haki Kwa Wote”, to address what he described as gaps in Kenya’s legal framework.
“We are urging parliament to enact a law criminalising enforced disappearances and to fully operationalise the Victim Protection Act because we cannot speak of justice in the absence of legislation,” he said.
The campaign comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 general election.
Human rights groups are calling on the government to prevent abductions, ensure security agencies comply with the law and prosecute those found responsible for enforced disappearances and other abuses.
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