Kenya: Vocal Africa Alleges Five Activists Missing After Arrest During Gen Z Protest

Lead

Rights groups in Kenya say six protesters who were arrested during the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests have been found “dumped” in different parts of Nairobi with injuries consistent with beatings, while one activist remains missing. The arrests took place during memorial gatherings for protesters killed in 2024, and the allegations have raised fresh concerns about enforced disappearances and police conduct.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the events of Thursday, June 25, varies in focus. Al Jazeera and The Hindu — World both highlighted the discovery of six protesters who said they were “beaten” and “subjected to torture” after being arrested outside Parliament. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Amnesty International Kenya said the six were found abandoned on Saturday morning, with one protester still unaccounted for. The Hindu — World noted that the six had remained incommunicado since their arrest, with rights groups calling for their release.

AllAfrica, in several reports, focused on the court proceedings that led to the release of more than 200 young people on a cash bail of 1,000 Kenyan shillings each, as well as the unconditional release of a mother and her seven-month-old baby. These reports also covered the claims by the human rights organization Vocal Africa that five activists had disappeared after being arrested, and the subsequent discovery of activist Davis Lichuma alive after an alleged abduction and torture. The National Police Service (NPS) responded to the allegations, saying it was taking them seriously and would investigate.

Key Claims

• Six people who were found “abandoned by the roadside” in Kenya allege that they were “beaten” and “subjected to torture” after being arrested during a memorial gathering for protesters killed in 2024, according to rights groups. Amnesty International Kenya identified the six as Collins Ochieng, Muteti Mulinge, Michael Ngigi, Elisha Alam, Fredrick Ojiro, and Christine Walubengo. The Kenya Human Rights Commission said they reported being “brutally assaulted by police while in custody.”

• At least 127 people were killed during protests in June-July 2024 and during a similar period in 2025, according to a police watchdog, as reported by Al Jazeera and The Hindu — World.

• About 355 people were arrested across the country on Thursday, according to Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen. Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado (123) and Kiambu (36). Murkomen said the protests were largely peaceful, with no widespread cases of looting, vandalism, or skirmishes reported.

• More than 200 young people arrested during Thursday's nationwide commemoration were released on a cash bail of 1,000 shillings each, while a mother and her seven-month-old baby were unconditionally freed. Siaya Governor James Orengo said the outcome was secured by a legal team led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.

• Activist Davis Lichuma was found alive after allegedly being abducted, tortured, and abandoned at Kenyatta National Hospital, according to the Social Justice Centres Working Group. The organization said Lichuma was discovered in critical condition and later transferred to Nairobi Women's Hospital. He was reportedly among seven people allegedly picked up during demonstrations; six of them were later found dumped along Lang'ata Road, while Lichuma remained missing until his reappearance.

• Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid claimed that five activists arrested outside Parliament have disappeared, despite the release of more than 200 other demonstrators. He identified the missing as Fredrick Ojiro, Colins Ochieng, Muteti Mulinge, Michael Ngige, and Ochieng Alam. Khalid said they were arrested in broad daylight while laying wreaths at the barbed wire barricades outside Parliament.

• The National Police Service says it is taking allegations of enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations seriously. Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Service had noted claims circulating in mainstream and social media and urged the public to report any incidents to the nearest police station. He confirmed receiving a missing person report concerning Lichuma at Central Police Station in Nairobi and said all reports would be investigated thoroughly, professionally, impartially, and expeditiously.

Perspectives

The Social Justice Centres Working Group condemned the alleged abduction and torture of Davis Lichuma, demanding an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation. “The Kenyan public deserves answers: Who took Davis? Where was he held? Who ordered his torture? Why was he abandoned and left for dead?” the group said in a statement.

The National Police Service, through spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, stated that it remains “fully dedicated to professional policing that serves and protects all Kenyans, residents and visitors” and emphasized its commitment to constitutional rights and legal procedures. Nyaga said allegations of enforced disappearances and torture would be investigated thoroughly and impartially.

Siaya Governor James Orengo commended the courts for upholding fair judgment and refusing to be “weaponized by the state to punish political dissent,” arguing that peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution.

Activist Boniface Mwangi said the incident pointed to the return of abductions, alleging that Lichuma was removed from a gazetted police station by what he called a rogue police squad. His comments were reported by AllAfrica in connection with the case.