NCIC urges multi-agency probe into enforced disappearances, says justice needs action, not words

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called for a multi-agency probe into unresolved cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, warning that justice cannot be achieved without institutional accountability and support for victims.

The call follows President William Ruto’s recent announcement that individuals abducted during anti-government protests had been “returned to their families” and that such incidents would not recur.

However, the President’s remarks drew criticism from various leaders and the public, who accused him of lacking empathy and failing to acknowledge that several individuals remain unaccounted for.

In a statement on Wednesday, the commission said while it welcomed the President’s pledge, it noted that concrete steps must back the assurance.

Transparency and credibility

NCIC stressed that any investigation must be conducted independently and inclusively, with the active involvement of human rights organisations and civil society groups to ensure transparency and credibility.

NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia said the proposed inquiry should pave the way for meaningful justice for victims and their families, while urging the government to undertake a series of urgent and concrete actions.

“We welcome support and commend H.E. President Dr. William Ruto for his unequivocal public pronouncement that abductions and extrajudicial killings will no longer be tolerated in Kenya. This bold and principled declaration reflects a commendable commitment to upholding the Constitution, safeguarding human rights, and restoring public confidence in the rule of law and state institutions,” Kobia said.

“There must be application of restorative justice mechanisms, including compensation and psychological support for victims and affected families, as well as comprehensive institutional reforms within security agencies to entrench accountability, professionalism, and a human rights-based approach to policing.”

Publish investigation findings

He also emphasised the importance of publishing findings from previous investigations, noting that transparency would help rebuild public confidence in the rule of law and security institutions.

The NCIC said the President’s message offered hope to families who had suffered in silence for years.

“For far too long, the anguished cries of families whose loved ones disappeared under unclear circumstances, many allegedly at the hands of security agencies, have gone unanswered. The President’s promise is a critical step toward ending this dark chapter and restoring the sanctity of life and the dignity of all Kenyans. It gives a glimmer of hope to the victims,” he said.

More than just words

However, the commission was quick to caution that “justice requires more than words,” adding that the credibility of the government’s commitment depended on transparent and verifiable actions.

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“To this end, we urge the government to take the following steps without delay: public release of findings from past investigations, establishment of independent inquiries with civil society participation, prosecution of perpetrators regardless of rank, restorative justice for victims and their families and institutional reforms in the security sector,” the NCIC said.

Kobia stressed that ensuring accountability for extrajudicial practices must include fair judicial processes and deliberate reforms to end impunity.

He also urged the Executive, Parliament, and the Judiciary to collaborate in safeguarding the rights of all Kenyans.

“We further call upon Parliament and the Judiciary to work in synergy with the Executive to ensure that human rights are upheld and impunity is decisively rejected at all levels of governance. The fight against extrajudicial practices is not just about delivering justice; it is about affirming the inherent worth of every Kenyan life and building a society grounded in dignity and equality before the law,” he said.

Reported enforced disappearances

According to a May report by the human rights watchdog Missing Voices, at least 55 cases of enforced disappearances were reported in 2024 alone. The organisation documented over 970 victims of enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings in Kenya between 2019 and 2024.

In reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to addressing these violations, Kobia noted that ensuring justice in cases of extrajudicial practices is not only about restoring justice but about affirming the value of every Kenyan life.

“Let this commitment mark a new chapter in our Republic, one where no Kenyan should ever live in fear of the very institutions meant to protect them,” the commission said.