KNCHR flags grave abuses across Kenya in annual review, records 57 deaths

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) received reports on 57 deaths and 661 rights violations between December 2024 and December 2025.

The deaths include the killing of a human rights defender, Richard Otieno, in Molo, the fatal shooting of a minor in Kiambu County, land clashes that killed five people in Angata Baragoi, the murder of a civilian, Albert Ojwang, in police custody, among others.

Speaking during the launch of KNCHR's annual state of human rights report in Nairobi, Chairperson Claris Ogangah said that Kenya's human rights performance during the period under review witnessed unprecedented and grave human rights violations that shocked the nation.

At the same time, Ogangah noted the killing of security agents in the line of duty, which erodes trust and impedes the enforcement of law and order.

"The KNCHR regrets these and several other documented cases of loss of lives in violation of the Constitution 2010 and calls for the full operationalisation of the National Coroners Service Act, including the appointment of the Chief Coroner and establishment of the Service, and urges the adoption of the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death," she said.

The Commission reiterated that the State, as primary duty bearer, is obliged to respect, protect, promote and fulfil all rights and fundamental freedoms, while all persons, as rights-holders, must exercise their rights responsibly and with due regard to the rights of others.

It also urged the Inspector-General and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations into extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture and the deaths of citizens in custody and recommend charges against officers found culpable.

The report further highlighted what it termed the resurgence of cases of arbitrary detentions and torture, including abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly committed by security officials, which led to 15 cases during the period under review.

During the period, the Commission documented heavy police deployment in counties including Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu and Embu, leading to injuries of 661 demonstrators and 149 persons arbitrarily arrested and detained.

The Commission noted that the deployment of hooded officers, the use of vehicles with concealed or no registration numbers, continued contrary to high court orders.

It also documented the presence of masked, hired perpetrators of violence on motorbikes targeting peaceful protestors and bystanders, terming the actions as severely undermining the right to peaceful assembly and having a great role in the erosion of public trust in law enforcement.

"The Commission calls on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure compliance with court decisions requiring police officers to maintain visible identification while on duty, for the development of a modern public order management law aligned with the 2010 Constitution and international human rights standards and for fast-tracking of regulations under the National Police Service Act governing the use of force and firearms by police officers," Ogangah urged.

The Commission added that it also received human rights violations complaints from the North Rift counties, including at least 12 complaints of abductions, torture and extra-judicial killings.

"While the Commission has observed relative calm and improved security in the North Rift counties gazetted as 'disturbed and dangerous' of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana and Samburu; we remain concerned over reports of extra-judicial killings allegedly by Security officers under 'Operation Maliza Uhalifu'. The Commission is in receipt of at least 12 complaints of abductions, torture and extra-judicial killings which occurred in parts of Marakwet East, Pokot Central and Tiaty," she said.

The Commission called on security forces operating under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and Operation Ondoa Jangili to carry out their law enforcement roles guided by the rule of law.

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The report further highlighted the re-emergence of criminal gangs used by politicians and the business community for private security, terror and intimidation, which, it noted, are a threat to national security and urges that they be dealt with within the ambit of the law.

In that year, KNCHR also noted with concern a surge in violations against journalists and media practitioners, including assaults, threats, denial of access, destruction of equipment, and temporary shutdowns of media operations during protests and major State events.

"Journalists from several media outlets covering demonstrations and national celebrations in counties such as Nairobi, Nyeri, Molo, Majengo and Homa Bay were subjected to violence and intimidation by both security officers and hostile groups," the report notes.

It further points to parliament's decision to pass the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, despite substantial constitutional and human rights concerns raised by KNCHR and other stakeholders.

"The Commission maintains that the amendments fall short of legality, clarity and proportionality, and risk arbitrary enforcement that chills freedom of expression and online innovation," says the report.

The report will be presented to the president and parliament as guided by the law.