Saba Saba protests 2026: Rights group demands answers over missing Kenyans
By Aloys Michael, July 7, 2026The Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG) has demanded answers from the Kenyan government over the whereabouts of missing Kenyans, warning that claimed enforced disappearances, police brutality and impunity continue to threaten human rights and constitutional freedoms as the country marks Saba Saba 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the rights organisation called for the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of all persons reported missing, independent investigations into alleged enforced disappearances and unlawful killings, and accountability for those found responsible.
The appeal comes as Saba Saba, Kenya’s annual commemoration of the historic July 7, 1990, pro-democracy protests, once again places national attention on democracy, constitutional rights, police accountability and the rule of law.
The annual observance commemorates the demonstrations that pushed for the return of multiparty democracy and has since become a symbol of citizens’ struggle for justice, human rights and accountable governance.
“As Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba 2026, the Social Justice Working Group joins millions across the country in reaffirming our commitment to democracy, constitutionalism, and the protection of fundamental human rights,” the organisation said.
It added that while Saba Saba remains a landmark in Kenya’s democratic history, many of the grievances that fuelled the movement more than three decades ago, including concerns over abuse of power, state accountability and respect for constitutional freedoms, continue to resonate today.
“We strongly condemn the continued brutality meted out against citizens exercising their constitutional rights. These measures do not resolve the country’s challenges; they only deepen public mistrust and undermine democratic governance,” the statement said.
The organisation said it was particularly concerned that at least five people reported missing last month remain unaccounted for, leaving families without answers about the fate of their loved ones.
“We are particularly alarmed that at least five victims of reported enforced disappearances from last month alone remain missing. Their families continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty while waiting for answers from the authorities,” it said.
Saba Saba arrests
The statement comes amid growing public debate over Saba Saba protests, missing persons, police conduct during demonstrations and renewed calls for greater transparency within Kenya’s security agencies. Human rights organisations have consistently argued that accountability and respect for constitutional rights are essential to maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
According to SJCWG, every day without credible information or transparent investigations further erodes public trust in state institutions.
The organisation demanded a public explanation on the whereabouts of all reported missing persons and called for immediate, impartial and independent investigations into every reported disappearance.
An enforced disappearance occurs when a person is arrested, detained or abducted by state agents, or by individuals acting with state authorisation, support or acquiescence, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the detention or disclose the person’s whereabouts.
Human rights organisations consider enforced disappearance a serious violation of both the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights law because it denies victims and their families access to justice and due process.
The rights group warned that enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests and accusations of excessive use of force should never become normal in a constitutional democracy.
“The continued pattern of enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests, and allegations of excessive use of force cannot become the new normal in a constitutional democracy,” the statement said, adding that every Kenyan has constitutional rights to life, liberty, security and due process.
SJCWG also defended the work of civil society organisations, journalists, grassroots human rights defenders and community justice centres, dismissing attempts to portray them as the source of Kenya’s current challenges.
“We reject attempts to portray civil society organisations, grassroots human rights defenders, community justice centres, journalists, and social movements as the source of Kenya’s problems. Their work is essential to the protection of constitutional freedoms,” the organisation said.
The group argued that Kenya’s biggest challenge is a culture of impunity within sections of the security sector, where allegations of abuse are often met with denial instead of transparent investigations and accountability.
It maintained that addressing enforced disappearances and protecting constitutional freedoms are essential to strengthening democracy and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
SJCWG urged the government to disclose the whereabouts of all missing persons, conduct prompt and impartial investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances and unlawful killings, prosecute those found responsible through lawful processes, and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
“We therefore call upon the Government of Kenya to immediately disclose the whereabouts of all persons reported missing, ensure prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of enforced disappearances and unlawful killings, hold those responsible accountable through lawful processes, and restore full respect for the Constitution and the rule of law,” the statement said.
The organisation expressed solidarity with victims, survivors and families still searching for their loved ones, saying the continued uncertainty surrounding missing Kenyans underscores the importance of accountability, justice and respect for human rights.
“The missing must be accounted for. Justice must prevail. The rule of law must be restored.”