KNCHR Issues Warning Against Mocking Persons with Disabilities, Says is a Crime, Carries Sh1M Fine or Jail
News Updated: 23 October 2025 11:52 EAT
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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a stern warning, cautioning Kenyans that ridiculing, mocking, or demeaning persons with disabilities (PWDs) is a serious criminal offense that can lead to a hefty fine or imprisonment.
Offenders, whether engaging in the act online or offline, risk a fine of up to Ksh1 million, a one-year prison term, or both. This clause, detailed in Section 67 of the new law on degrading treatment, directly applies to online trolling, memes, and cyberbullying that targets disability.
The warning follows public outrage over a recent online trend dubbed the "Raila Junior Challenge," which targeted Raila Odinga Junior with ridicule and trolling across social media platforms.
The KNCHR condemned the behavior, terming it a clear violation of the Constitution, which upholds the dignity and equality of every individual, and the recently enacted Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2025.
This law, which came into force on May 27, strengthens constitutional guarantees under the Bill of Rights, making disability rights legally enforceable and not optional.
The new act spells out a comprehensive list of offenses aimed at protecting PWDs from discrimination, abuse, exploitation, and degrading treatment.
For instance, discrimination (Section 62), which includes the denial of access to public services, education, or employment, carries a penalty of up to Sh2 million, or two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Victims of discrimination may also pursue civil compensation in addition to criminal sanctions. Similarly, abuse, exploitation, or violence (Section 63), such as confinement or psychological torture, is punishable by a fine of up to Sh2 million or two years’ imprisonment.
Furthermore, the law treats the most serious violations with life imprisonment. Harmful practices (Section 65), including witchcraft, ritual killings, or associating disability with omens, warrant life imprisonment for perpetrators and accomplices.
The same severe penalty of life imprisonment applies to cases of torture and cruel treatment (Section 72) that result in harm or death.
For administrative offenses, parents or caregivers who conceal PWDs and deny them opportunities (Section 64) face a fine of up to Sh1 million or one-year imprisonment.
Individuals who publish or circulate any material that demeans PWDs (Section 70) risk a fine up to Sh1 million or six months in jail. The Act empowers courts to issue any order necessary to stop ongoing violations, representing a significant leap in Kenya’s human rights enforcement framework.
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Selestine Nyongesa
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.