One activist still missing following Gen Z memorial protest arrests, rights group says
News Updated: 27 June 2026 13:05 EAT
Photo courtesy : The Gen Z protest anniversary in Nairobi Kenya
One activist remains missing two days after being arrested during the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests, according to Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, who said five other activists who had also been detained have since been released and are receiving medical treatment.
Speaking on Saturday, Khalid identified the missing activist as Davis Lichuma, saying he had not been accounted for since security officers arrested several activists during the nationwide demonstrations. He appealed to the authorities to disclose Lichuma's whereabouts and ensure his immediate release or present him before a court if he is being lawfully detained.
Khalid said six activists had initially been reported missing after the protests, but five were later released. He added that those freed are undergoing medical treatment after allegedly suffering injuries while in custody, although he did not disclose the nature of their injuries.
The rights defender expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests linked to recent anti-government demonstrations, warning that such actions undermine constitutional protections and the rule of law.
Vocal Africa called on the National Police Service and other security agencies to urgently account for Lichuma, insisting that every person arrested must have their detention officially recorded and their families informed of their whereabouts.
The organisation also urged independent oversight bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to investigate allegations of unlawful arrests, disappearances and excessive use of force during the Gen Z memorial protests.
The June 25 demonstrations were held across several towns to commemorate victims of the 2025 anti-government protests, with thousands of Kenyans taking part in marches demanding justice, accountability and governance reforms.
Human rights organisations have since documented numerous arrests, injuries and alleged rights violations during the demonstrations, while calling for investigations into the conduct of security officers deployed to police the protests.
As of Saturday, Kenyan authorities had not publicly confirmed Davis Lichuma's whereabouts or responded to Vocal Africa's claims that he remains missing following his arrest during the demonstrations.
Rights groups continue to demand Lichuma's immediate production before a court or his unconditional release, maintaining that all security operations must comply with the Constitution and Kenya's international human rights obligations.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD