Gideon Moi calls for national response to rising child disappearance cases in Kenya
By Faith Lagat, May 15, 2026Kenya African National Union (KANU) Chairman Gideon Moi has called for urgent national intervention following reports of increased cases of child disappearances, abuse, violence, mistreatment, and unexplained deaths across the country.
He described the trend as a growing national concern requiring coordinated action from state institutions and society.
In a statement shared on X dated May 15, 2026, Moi noted that the incidents, previously considered isolated, are now occurring more frequently in different parts of the country.
He referenced constitutional protections under Article 53(1), which guarantees every child the right to protection from abuse, neglect, violence, inhuman treatment and punishment, and exploitative labour.
“The true measure of any society is defined by its ability to protect and defend its most vulnerable members,” Moi stated.
He added that children are increasingly becoming victims of abuse in homes, schools, and communities, where they are expected to be safe.
Call for coordinated national response
Moi urged the State Department for Children Services to establish a coordinated national response mechanism, including a rapid child emergency alert and response system to address reported cases. He also called for strengthened collaboration between government agencies and communities in responding to child protection concerns.
“The State Department for Children Services establishes a coordinated national response mechanism, including a rapid child emergency alert and response system, to tackle this growing threat against children,” he stated.
He further called on society to reject silence and indifference in addressing violence against children, noting the need for stronger accountability measures to deter perpetrators. “We must reject the normalization of cruelty against children in all its forms,” he said, adding that violence against children should attract strict consequences.
Government and institutional response measures
The statement comes as government agencies intensify efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence and child protection cases.
Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hannah Cheptumo has directed the rollout of a 90-day Rapid Results Initiative targeting cases of SGBV, child abduction, and related crimes, particularly in the Central Region.
The initiative involves a multi-agency approach including security agencies, Children Services, and local administration units to improve response and coordination.
Earlier interventions have included deployment of additional police officers in high-risk areas and establishment of specialised SGBV courts to handle related cases.
Stakeholders, including human rights organisations, have reported delays in implementation of previous recommendations on gender-based violence.
The developments come ahead of International Missing Children’s Day on May 25, with renewed focus on strengthening child protection systems and improving inter-agency coordination across the country.