Background
In 2024, Kenya faced a disturbing resurgence of state-led violence, with enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings reaching alarming levels. As captured in the Missing Voices Annual Report 2024, the crackdown on peaceful protests—particularly those led by Gen Z and Millennial activists against the Finance Bill—revealed a government increasingly willing to silence dissent through unlawful force. This report, compiled by a coalition of leading human rights organizations, provides verified data, survivor testimonies, and expert insights into these grave human rights violations. It serves as both a record of injustice and a call to action—for accountability, reform, and justice for all those affected.
Kenya witnessed a sharp escalation in human rights violations linked to state security agencies. The Missing Voices Coalition documented:
- 159 cases of police-related killings and enforced disappearances:
- 104 cases of extrajudicial killings (EKs) – 12% decrease from 2023
- 55 cases of enforced disappearances (EDs) – a staggering 450% increase
Key Insights
- June 2024 saw the highest number of violations, coinciding with Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.
- Majority victims were youth aged 19–34 years.
- Men constituted over 90% of all victims, though there was a notable increase in affected women.
- Most EDs were linked to anti-protest crackdowns, especially in Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, and Machakos.
- 93 of the 104 EKs were attributed to officers from the National Police Service.
- No justice: Only a handful of cases have seen arrests or court proceedings; most remain unresolved.
Recommendations
To the Government of Kenya
- Ratify and domesticate the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED).
- Amend the Penal Code to criminalize enforced disappearances.
- Fully operationalize the National Coroners Service Act.
- Ensure prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into all reported cases.
To Civil Society Organizations:
- Prioritize survivor-centered advocacy.
- Increase legal aid and psychosocial support for affected families.
- Strengthen coalitions and collaborate in pushing for legislative reforms.
To Development Partners:
- Support litigation, documentation, and community organizing around EDs and EKs.
- Fund capacity building for human rights defenders and independent oversight bodies like IPOA and KNCHR.
To the Missing Voices Coalition:
- Deepen engagement with Gen Z and digital activists to harness their organizing and documentation power.
- Build public awareness campaigns to demand accountability and commemorate victims.
- Push for justice and reparations for survivors and bereaved families.
To Communities and the Public:
- Speak out and report violations.
- Support affected families, amplify survivor voices, and demand action from leaders.
- Participate in rights education and protest safety training.