26/06/2026
The Malindi Community Human Rights Centre (MCHRC) expresses profound concern over the continued disappearance of six individuals who were arrested on 25th June 2026 during the commemoration of the protests. As of this statement, their whereabouts remain unknown, and they have not been presented before any known police station or court of law. This prolonged incommunicado detention raises serious concerns regarding their safety, security, and fundamental rights.
The Constitution of Kenya guarantees every person the right to liberty, fair administrative action, due process, and protection from arbitrary arrest or detention. It further requires that every person arrested be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest, be granted access to legal representation and family, and be presented before a court within the constitutionally prescribed time. Any departure from these legal safeguards undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in our justice system.
We therefore call upon the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations - DCI, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and all other relevant state agencies to urgently account for the whereabouts of the missing individuals. If they are in lawful custody, they must immediately be granted access to their families and legal counsel and be presented before a competent court without further delay. If they are not in state custody, the relevant authorities must launch prompt, transparent, and independent investigations to establish their whereabouts.
The Malindi Community Human Rights Centre stands in unwavering solidarity with the affected families and all Kenyans committed to justice, accountability, and constitutionalism. Enforced disappearances have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. We will continue to monitor this matter closely, provide legal and human rights support where necessary, and advocate relentlessly until every missing person is accounted for.
Every hour of silence deepens the pain of families waiting for answers. Every unlawful disappearance is an assault on the Constitution and the values we hold as a nation. Kenya must never normalize enforced disappearances.
VOCAL Africa HAKI Africa IJM Kenya Pwani Social Justice Centre - Working Group Defenders Coalition Action for Empowerment Kisauni Social Justice Center UHAKI NA USAWA Organization Boniface Mwangi