Kenya’s government is facing renewed pressure to account for people who have disappeared, with Amnesty International Kenya saying 19 cases have been documented so far this year.
The rights organisation called on President William Ruto’s administration on Sunday to move from assurances to concrete action, including investigations, prosecutions and reparations for victims and their families.
The appeal came as Kenya marked the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, an occasion intended to draw attention to people whose whereabouts remain unknown after being taken into custody or otherwise forcibly disappeared.
Amnesty wants answers for families
Amnesty said the government should establish what happened to those who disappeared and ensure that people responsible are held accountable.
It also called for families of victims to receive effective reparations.
The organisation pointed to figures from the Missing Voices Coalition, which documented six enforced disappearances in 2025, alongside 125 police killings.
In 2026, the coalition has recorded 19 cases of enforced disappearance and 69 police killings so far, according to Amnesty.
The figures come amid continuing debate over police conduct and the government’s handling of protests and dissent.
President Ruto’s pledge faces test of action
The latest appeal follows remarks by President Ruto during celebrations marking the 16th anniversary of Kenya’s Constitution.
President William Ruto speaking during a constitutional event.
President Ruto acknowledged the pain caused by past human rights violations and said no Kenyan should lose their life, freedom or dignity for criticising the government, expressing an unpopular opinion or taking part in a peaceful protest.
Amnesty welcomed the statement but said it needed to be followed by action.
“Amnesty International Kenya welcomes this acknowledgment. But words must now be matched with action,” the organisation said.
Amnesty also cited a reparations framework presented by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights at State House in June.
The framework included 35 verified cases of enforced disappearance, alongside other alleged human rights violations linked to security operations and protests.
Amnesty said victims of enforced disappearance had yet to receive reparations despite the government having established a process for compensating victims of violations arising from protests.
The government should also disclose the fate and whereabouts of people who have disappeared, the organisation said.
Those still being unlawfully detained should either be released or taken before an independent and impartial court, it added.
Calls for accountability before 2027
Amnesty is urging authorities to investigate allegations of enforced disappearance promptly and independently, including cases linked to the 2024 protests.
It wants anyone found to have committed such offences to face prosecution where there is sufficient evidence, regardless of their position or rank.
The organisation also said accountability should extend beyond junior officers to those who may have authorised, ordered or helped conceal abuses.
It further called for stronger support and independence for bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Internal Affairs Unit.
Amnesty is also pressing Kenya to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and recognise the UN committee responsible for considering individual complaints under the treaty.
With the 2027 general election approaching, the organisation warned that political disagreement and peaceful protest should not lead to arbitrary arrest, torture, enforced disappearance or excessive force.
“No one should disappear for exercising their rights. No family should be left without answers. No perpetrator should enjoy impunity,” Amnesty said.
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