By Eddah Waithaka
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is pushing for a multi-sectoral investigation into Kenya’s unresolved cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
NCIC Chairman Reverend Dr. Samuel Kobia insists that human rights groups and civil society organizations must actively participate in the independent inquiry.
The commission also demands that the government publicly release findings from past probes into these violations.
“We must apply restorative justice, including compensation and psychological support for victims and affected families. Security agencies need comprehensive reforms to ensure accountability, professionalism, and a human rights-based approach to policing,” Kobia said.
His statement comes days after President William Ruto claimed all missing persons had been reunited with their families.
Kobia stressed that prosecutors must hold perpetrators accountable through fair and transparent trials.
He called on the executive, judiciary, and legislature to collaborate in protecting Kenyans’ rights and ending impunity.
“Justice for these victims isn’t just about accountability, it’s about affirming the value of every Kenyan life and building a society rooted in dignity and equality,” he said.
A May 2024 report by Missing Voices reveals at least 55 enforced disappearances this year alone. Between 2019 and 2024, over 970 Kenyans faced extrajudicial killings or forced disappearances.
“We must turn a new page in our republic, one where no Kenyan fears the institutions meant to protect them,” Kobia added.
Meanwhile, NCIC disclosed it is prosecuting 28 active hate speech and discrimination cases, including 15 counts of ethnic contempt, four hate speech incidents, two ethnic discrimination cases, and seven combined offenses.
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“These violations breach the National Cohesion and Integration Act. We will continue combating hate speech and ethnic divisions threatening Kenya’s unity,” Kobia stated.
To enhance accountability, NCIC is using its “Wall of Shame” to expose hate-mongers and its “Wall of Fame” to recognize cohesion champions.
Convicted individuals risk public naming and disqualification from public office. “The Wall of Shame exposes those fueling division, especially figures undermining national unity,” NCIC warned.
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