Missing human rights activist Davis Lichuma has been found alive days after he was reported missing.
The Social Justice Centres Working Group, in a statement on Sunday, June 29 night, said the activist was found dumped at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
“The Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG) wishes to inform the public that Comrade Davis Lichuma has been found alive at Kenyatta National Hospital,” the statement read.
However, the group said Lichuma was unable to speak when he was found, raising concerns over his physical and psychological condition.
“While we are relieved that he has been located, we remain deeply concerned about his condition. At the time of his discovery, Comrade Lichuma was unable to speak, raising serious concerns about what he may have been subjected to during the period he was missing,” SJCWG said.
The human rights groups have called for an immediate and independent investigation into the matter and the circumstances surrounding Lichuma’s disappearance.
“We demand an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the injuries or trauma he may have sustained, and those responsible for his unlawful detention and subsequent abandonment,” the group stated.
Lichuma was among seven activists who were detained near Parliament during the Genz anniversary protests on June 25.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has said it had taken note of claims circulating in both mainstream and social media regarding alleged enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations.
“The service said it treats such allegations with the seriousness they deserve and urged members of the public with relevant information to report the cases to the nearest police station.
“As a Service committed to accountability and transparency, we take these claims seriously. We therefore urge anyone with information or specific allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, or other human rights violations to report the matter immediately at the nearest police station,” the statement read.
