KNCHR Urges Ruto To Set Up Fund For Victims Of Abductions, Disappearances, Murders
KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede demanded an immediate investigation and prosecution of all reported cases of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued demands to President William Ruto's administration in a bid to address and mitigate the crisis of abductions, enforced disappearances, and killings that have sparked uproar across the country recently.
In a statement to newsrooms dated Thursday, October 31, KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede demanded an immediate investigation and prosecution of all reported cases of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances.
The rights body called for the investigations to be done thoroughly, with findings made public. "The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) should work closely with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and KNCHR to fast-track cases where State actors are implicated or have failed to act," the statement read in part.
Adding "Individuals responsible for these heinous acts, whether in government or otherwise, must face justice."
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Roseline Odede. /FILE
KNCHR also called for the protection of human rights defenders and activists, stating that the Kenyan government must prioritize their safety.
In terms of legal and institutional reforms within security agencies, the body recommended that to enhance
accountability within the National Police Service and other security forces, police reforms ought to be implemented, including better training on human rights standards and non-violent policing methods.
KNCHR also called for the establishment of special units within security agencies dedicated solely to handling and preventing cases of human rights violations, and the creation of a victims' fund.
"KNCHR proposes establishing a fund to provide compensation and support to families of victims of enforced disappearances, abductions, and extrajudicial killings," the body proposed.
"The Government must address the financial and psychological needs of these families, who often face severe hardships due to the loss of a loved one."
KNCHR in the same statement revealed that it has investigated 60 cases of extrajudicial killings and 71 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances since June 2024.
"As the national human rights institution, the Commission has a mandate to monitor and promote the respect for human rights and to hold duty-bearers accountable for their actions. In line with this mandate, we unequivocally condemn the surge of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations," the human rights organization added.
The commission further condemned the unprecedented increase in femicide cases, terming them unacceptable and a blatant violation of the rights of girls and women in the country.
"While the Government has made commitments to curb these practices, such pledges have yet to translate into effective policies or transparent accountability measures," the body found.
Kenya’s National Police Service was put on the spot specifically, and flagged in multiple reports for its involvement in the aforementioned grave violations.
According to KNCHR, Inspector General Douglas Kanja and other police chiefs must be held accountable for the increase in abductions and extrajudicial killings "and transparently address these issues to restore public trust in law enforcement agencies."
