Since anti-government protests in June 2024, 29 people remain missing.
Speaking on Thursday, KNCHR expressed deep concern about these incidents, which are reportedly carried out by “unidentified armed individuals operating clandestinely.”
According to the commission, many of the missing individuals were vocal critics of the government, particularly on social media.
KNCHR warns that such actions threaten to bring Kenya back to a dark era when fear silenced dissent.
"If these patterns of abductions continue," the commission stated, "we will be slipping into a dangerous past where such tactics were used to suppress opposition voices."
In the past three months alone, 13 new cases of abductions or forced disappearances have been reported, bringing the total since June to 82.
Of these, seven occurred in December, with six individuals still missing. Among the missing are Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Naomi, Rony Kiplang’at, and Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull.
A KNCHR representative added, "We cannot allow these violations of the Constitution to go unaddressed. This is a matter of urgency."
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has denied that police officers are involved in these abductions.
However, KNCHR has criticized the police for failing to prevent such incidents, some of which have occurred in broad daylight and were even caught on CCTV.
"These abductions are happening under the noses of law enforcement," the commission said.
"The police must protect citizens and ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations to determine whether police officers are complicit.
A statement from IPOA promised action against anyone found guilty.
“Where there is fault, we will recommend prosecution, internal disciplinary measures, or other appropriate actions,” said an IPOA spokesperson.
As families of the missing wait for answers, calls for accountability grow louder.
KNCHR has urged the government to act swiftly to ensure justice and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
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