Landmark report reveals widespread abuse, killings of older persons in Kilifi
Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity and safety, many elderly people continue to face isolation, poverty, and deliberate acts of violence.
A first-of-its-kind report presenting verified official data on violations against older persons in Kilifi County has revealed widespread abuse and fatal violence. Findings show high levels of neglect, psychological abuse and killings.
Data gathered from police stations, courts, administrative offices, the Kilifi Directorate of Social Development and civil society networks recorded 161 cases of physical abuse in Ganze, alongside 19 killings of older persons during the same period.
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The research, conducted by Haki Yetu Organisation in collaboration with the Elderly Persons Steering Committee, highlights that older adults in Ganze Sub-county suffer far more abuse and violence than those in other areas of Kilifi County.
Titled "A 12-month review of the situation of the older people in Kilifi County", the report is the first to present officially verified data on abuses and killings targeting older persons, consolidating information from both governmental and civil society sources.
Between December 2024 and November 2025, Ganze reported a total of 774 incidents, more than double the 326 cases recorded in Kaloleni Sub-county, which had the second-highest number of reported abuses.
Other sub-counties recorded significantly fewer incidents, with Malindi failing to submit any data, leaving gaps in the county-wide assessment.
Julius Wanyama, a representative of Haki Yetu, said the availability of verified figures marks a turning point in addressing the plight of the elderly. “Previously, information was unconfirmed and often challenged. Now, interventions can be targeted to the areas that need them most. Ganze clearly demands urgent attention,” he explained.
Kilifi County Executive for Social Services Ruth Dama added that the report will serve as a guide for coordinated action. “This baseline is crucial. It will inform comprehensive needs assessments, direct interventions, and enable joint planning among stakeholders addressing abuse of older persons,” she said.
The report underscores a wider challenge: Kenya’s ageing population is expanding rapidly, yet the rights and welfare of older citizens remain inadequately protected.
Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity and safety, many elderly people continue to face isolation, poverty, and deliberate acts of violence.
It also points to the National Policy on Older People and Ageing (2018) and the proposed Older Persons Bill 2024 as key frameworks that, if fully implemented, could enhance protection and empower older persons across the country.
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