AFRICA/KENYA - Concern in Kenya over missing persons in connection with youth protests

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - Since June 2024, at least 80 people have disappeared in Kenya, and relatives and friends suspect the police in connection with these disappearances. During the Christmas period, the Kenyan National Commission for Human Rights reported the kidnapping of 13 people, including several satirical cartoonists such as Gideon Kibet, better known as Kibet Bull, famous for his caricatures of President William Ruto. Bull disappeared on Christmas Day and was released on January 6, as were five other militants active on social media, four of whom reappeared on the same day. Kibet Bull's brother, who had also been kidnapped on December 21, was later released. The satirical cartoonist did not reveal what happened during his kidnapping, but stated: "The kidnapping is real; I can confirm this... I urge the government to respect freedom of expression.” Witnesses and relatives of the victims reported that the kidnappers were masked men using unregistered vehicles. The disappearances have been linked to protests led by “Generation Z”, which is demanding profound political reform in Kenya (see Fides, 27/6/2024). These demonstrations have mobilized members of civil society and activists, who are now facing a climate of repression and threats. Some leaders of the Catholic Church have expressed concern about this situation. The Archbishop of Mombasa, Martin Kivuva Musonde, said: “We are waking up to abductions. Corruption is rampant and all these evils do not augur well for a just society which we are all eager to see a thriving Kenya.” For his part, the Bishop of Kakamega, Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, has urged the government to stop these abuses: “We need to protect the rights of our people, freedom of expression, and democracy, and no family wishes for the disappearances of its kin. It is painful and uncalled for when our young people get abducted and disappear. It is dangerous for our democracy and future generations.” The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, on December 27, denied any involvement of the security forces in the kidnappings. Kanja took office in November after his predecessor Gilbert Masengeli, who was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court for refusing to reveal the whereabouts of three protesters allegedly abducted by the police. In a statement issued on Christmas Day, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it had launched an investigation to clarify the kidnappings and determine responsibilities. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 8/1/2025)

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