The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has warned that the past year has seen a serious rise in killings, abductions, and torture, saying the trend points to a growing breakdown in respect for basic rights.
In its latest review covering December 2024 to December 2025, the Commission recorded 57 deaths tied to violations of the right to life and hundreds of complaints related to abuses by both security agencies and private actors.
According to the Commission, many of the fatal incidents happened in June and July when unrest broke out in several parts of the country.
The cases include the killing of human rights defender Richard Otieno in Molo, the shooting of a minor in Kiambu, clashes in Angata Baragoi that left five people dead, and the death of Albert Ojwang, who is said to have died while under police custody.
“These deaths represent a grave breach of the Constitution, which guarantees every person’s right to life,” chairperson Claris Ogangah said.
“The pattern of killings, be they from crowd control failures, custodial deaths, or community conflicts—shows a worrying disregard for the sanctity of life.”
The Commission also highlighted cases where officers lost their lives while performing their duties, noting that such attacks weaken the ability of security agencies to protect the public. “We regret the loss of all lives—civilians and security agents alike,” the Commission stated.
“Every death demands accountability,” she said.
KNCHR urged authorities to fully activate the National Coroners Service Act, including naming a Chief Coroner and setting up the required structures.
It also encouraged the adoption of the Minnesota Protocol to guide investigations into deaths where unlawful actions are suspected.
The Commission further called on the Inspector-General of Police to move quickly on pending investigations and ensure all persons involved in the killings face the law.
IPOA was also asked to speed up probes into enforced disappearances, torture, and deaths in custody, and to recommend charges against officers linked to extra-judicial killings.
“The time for half-measures is over,” the Commission added.
“Kenyans deserve truth, justice, and institutions that protect life—not those that enable impunity.”
Ogangah said the Commission had documented 661 complaints related to breaches of the right to freedom and security of the person as defined under Article 29 of the Constitution.
These cases ranged from arbitrary arrests and torture to abductions and enforced disappearances, many of which were said to involve security officials.
“Fifteen cases of abductions were reported during the review period, signalling a worrying resurgence of tactics that have no place in a constitutional democracy,” she noted.
Although the Commission acknowledged improved conditions in West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana and Samburu, it raised concern over new complaints from areas under Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
“We are in receipt of at least twelve complaints of abductions, torture and extra-judicial killings in parts of Marakwet East, Pokot Central and Tiaty,” she stated, warning that such incidents set back peace gains in the region.
The report also pointed to the return of criminal gangs allegedly hired by politicians and businesspeople to engage in intimidation and violence.
“These groups pose a direct threat to national security and must be dealt with strictly within the law,” the Commission said.
