In a highly anticipated State of the Nation address, President William Ruto sought to reassure Kenyans amidst mounting criticism over state-sanctioned abductions, shrinking democratic freedoms, and human rights violations. However, his speech, delivered under the intense scrutiny of both local and international observers, failed to provide concrete solutions to the growing concerns surrounding the government’s human rights record.
Security and Accountability Crisis
While the President acknowledged the allegations of abductions and disappearances during the anti-tax protests earlier this year, many felt his remarks fell short of addressing the heart of the matter — the crisis of accountability within Kenya’s security sector. The President claimed that some of the alleged disappearances had been resolved, but suggested that others were merely “fake news” that undermined genuine cases.
Hussein Khalid, a human rights advocate with Vocal Africa, strongly criticized the President’s response. “It is clear from the President’s remarks that the government is indirectly acknowledging its role in these abductions,” Khalid said. “However, instead of providing tangible solutions, the President’s speech offered more rhetoric, allowing the cover-up to continue.”
This comes amid rising frustration from the families of victims who have not received justice. 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango, who was killed by a long-range bullet during the anti-Finance Bill protests, remains one of the most tragic examples. His mother, Josinter Anyango, expressed her frustration after hearing the President’s speech, stating, “We have waited too long for answers, and yet none are forthcoming.”
Failure to Address Ugandan Opposition Leader’s Abduction
In addition to the issues surrounding local protests, the speech also came in the wake of a widely criticized incident involving the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye on Kenyan soil. President Ruto opted not to directly address the matter, prompting further criticism. “The Besigye incident has brought immense shame to Kenya, exposing the government’s disregard for basic freedoms,” Khalid remarked.
Unresolved Human Rights Violations
Despite assurances from the President that families of victims should report incidents to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), many believe these promises are little more than lip service. There is growing skepticism over whether these institutions will take meaningful action in investigating and holding perpetrators accountable for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.
The IPOA, tasked with investigating police misconduct, continues to face mounting pressure as cases of state-sanctioned violence rise, with few tangible results. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which was mentioned by the President in his speech, has similarly been criticized for its lack of progress in addressing these abuses.
Escalating Femicide Crisis
In his address, President Ruto also acknowledged the surge in femicide, noting the need for a collective effort to address the issue. However, many activists argue that his response lacked the urgency required to stem the tide of violence against women in Kenya. According to Africa Data Hub, at least 500 women and girls have been murdered in Kenya since 2016, and police records reveal that one woman is killed every day in the three months leading up to November 2024.
Njeri Migwi, founder of Usikimye, an organization advocating for survivors of abuse, called on the government to take stronger action. “The President’s appeal for moral change is commendable, but it lacks the urgency needed to combat the rampant femicide plaguing our country. We need concrete, immediate actions, not just words,” Migwi said.
A Call for Accountability and Real Change
As Kenya grapples with these ongoing human rights challenges, it is clear that President Ruto’s State of the Nation address failed to provide the leadership required to address the systemic issues within the country’s security forces. Human rights groups, families of victims, and citizens alike are calling for accountability, justice, and real reform to prevent further abuses and to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans are upheld.
The pressing need for a transparent and credible investigation into the growing list of human rights violations, including disappearances and extrajudicial killings, cannot be ignored. As Kenya stands at a critical juncture, the call for justice and reform grows louder, with many urging the government to act decisively and swiftly.
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