WHERE ARE DAVIS LICHUMA, FREDRICK OJIRO, AND THE OTHER SIX? POLICE MUST ACCOUNT NOW
The Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG) is gravely concerned by the disappearance of Davis Lichuma, Fredrick Ojiro, and four other individuals who were reportedly arrested by police during the Thursday protests and initially held at Central Police Station.
While some of those arrested were presented before court, Davis Lichuma, Fredrick Ojiro, and the four others were not produced, leaving their families, lawyers, and the public in the dark about their whereabouts. This silence is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law.
The continued failure by the police to disclose where these individuals are raises serious concerns about their safety and wellbeing. We are particularly alarmed about Davis Lichuma, who has allegedly been subjected to repeated arbitrary arrests and torture in the past. Given this history, every hour that passes without official communication heightens fears that he and the others may be facing grave human rights violations.
No Kenyan should disappear after being taken into police custody. Once a person is arrested, the State bears full responsibility for their safety, health, and constitutional rights. Holding people incommunicado or failing to produce them before court violates the Constitution, undermines public confidence in law enforcement, and fuels fears of enforced disappearance.
The Inspector General of Police and all officers responsible for these arrests must immediately account for the whereabouts of Davis Lichuma, Fredrick Ojiro, and the six others. Their families deserve answers. Their lawyers deserve access. The Kenyan public deserves transparency.
The Social Justice Centres Working Group demands that the National Police Service publicly disclose the whereabouts and legal status of all eight individuals within the next 24 hours. Failure to do so will leave the Inspector General and the police command answerable for any harm that may have befallen them while in State custody.
We further call upon independent oversight bodies, human rights defenders, the legal fraternity, and all Kenyans committed to justice to remain vigilant and demand accountability. Silence in the face of enforced disappearance only emboldens impunity.
The Constitution guarantees liberty, due process, and protection from torture and arbitrary detention. These are not privileges to be granted at the discretion of the police—they are fundamental rights that the State is obligated to uphold.
Where are Davis Lichuma, Fredrick Ojiro, and the four others? Kenya deserves an answer. Their families deserve an answer. The police must account for them, now.