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.
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.
