Davis Lichuma, an activist who had been reported missing, was found alive after allegedly being abducted, tortured and abandoned, according to the Social Justice Centres Working Group.
The group said Lichuma was discovered in critical condition after allegedly being dumped at Kenyatta National Hospital before being transferred to Nairobi Women’s Hospital for specialised treatment.
The organisation and its other colleagues claimed Lichuma had been subjected to severe torture during the period he was missing and described the incident as evidence of alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial abuses.
The group called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and treatment, demanding that those responsible be identified and prosecuted.
“We will not accept silence, cover-ups or excuses. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement said, adding that Kenyans deserve answers on who allegedly abducted Lichuma, where he was held, who ordered his torture and why he was abandoned.
He was unable to explain where he had been since last Thursday, when he was taken away. He was among a group of seven activists who were picked up from near Parliament during a protest and taken to an undisclosed place where they were tortured.
The other six were dumped on Langata Road on Saturday morning. They all said they had been beaten up. They were taken to the hospital.
The victims said those behind the torture were police officers.
The development comes after the National Police Service said it had received a missing person’s report concerning Lichuma and urged anyone with information or allegations relating to enforced disappearances, torture or other human rights violations to report them to the nearest police station.
Social justice activist Davis Lichuma, who was reported missing on June 25 during commemorations marking one year since the Gen Z protests. (Photo: Courtesy)
Authorities had not immediately commented on the latest claims regarding Lichuma’s condition or the circumstances under which he was found. Investigations are expected to establish what transpired during the period he was missing.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga earlier said the Service takes the allegations seriously and remains committed to accountability and transparency.
The police called on anyone with information or specific claims of enforced disappearances, torture, or other human rights violations to report the matter at the nearest police station to facilitate investigations.
The NPS also confirmed receiving a report concerning a missing person of Lichuma, which was lodged at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
According to the statement, all reports will be investigated thoroughly, professionally, impartially and expeditiously, in accordance with the law.
“The National Police Service remains fully dedicated to professional policing that serves and protects all Kenyans, residents and visitors. We uphold the constitutional rights of every person and strictly follow all legal procedures in our operations,” the statement read.
The Service reiterated its commitment to upholding the Constitution, respecting human rights and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in all its operations.
The statement comes amid heightened public concern and scrutiny over alleged cases of enforced disappearances and human rights violations reported in recent weeks.
Police have denied being involved in the trend.
