Activist Davis Lichuma has been found alive at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) days after he was reported missing during the June 25, 2026, protests in Nairobi.

Human rights groups said Lichuma was discovered on Sunday evening, June 28, in serious condition while receiving treatment at the hospital. Activists claimed he had signs of torture and physical assault after allegedly being abducted during the demonstrations.

The case has renewed concern over claims of enforced disappearances and police brutality linked to the recent anti-government protests.

Human rights activist Hussein Khalid confirmed that Lichuma had been found but said his condition was worrying.

“Following our press conference this morning to demand the police immediately release comrade Lichuma or face widespread demos, we have this evening confirmed that comrade Lichuma has been found, but in bad shape at KNH,” Khalid said.

He added that activists were organising to move him to a private hospital for specialised treatment.

The Social Justice Centres Working Group also confirmed that Lichuma was alive but said he could not speak when he was found.

“While we are relieved that he has been found, we remain deeply concerned about his condition. At the time of the discovery, Lichuma was unable to speak,” the group said in a statement.

He was later transferred to Nairobi Women’s Hospital for specialised treatment. The organisation demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the injuries he allegedly suffered while missing.

Police probe protest claims

Rights groups claimed Lichuma was among several activists arrested during the June 25 protests held to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations. According to activists, some protesters were later dumped in different parts of Nairobi after allegedly being beaten and tortured.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) had earlier reported that three activists who disappeared during the protests were found abandoned in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area. Four others were still missing by Sunday evening.

The protests led to hundreds of arrests across the country. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said police arrested 355 people during the demonstrations over offences including vandalism, robbery and obstruction of roads.

Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests with 161 suspects, followed by Kajiado and Kiambu counties.

The National Police Service (NPS) later confirmed that a missing person report for Davis Lichuma had been filed at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

In a statement issued on Sunday, police said they were investigating the case and urged the public to report any information related to enforced disappearances, torture or human rights violations.

“The National Police Service has noted allegations circulating in mainstream and social media regarding enforced disappearances and torture,” the statement read.

“Furthermore, we acknowledge receipt of a report of a missing person, namely Davis Lichuma, which was made at Central Police Station in Nairobi.”

Police said all reports would be investigated “thoroughly, professionally, impartially and expeditiously”.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the police service remained committed to accountability, transparency and respect for constitutional rights.

However, activists and lobby groups have continued to accuse security agencies of targeting protesters and government critics through unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances.

The Social Justice Centres Working Group questioned who allegedly abducted Lichuma, where he had been held and who was responsible for his reported torture.

“We will not accept silence, cover-ups or excuses. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the group said.