Activist Davis Lichuma Found Alive at KNH After Days of Reported Disappearance, Rights Groups Demand Independent Probe

Activist Davis Lichuma Found Alive at KNH After Days of Reported Disappearance, Rights Groups Demand Independent Probe

Human rights activist Davis Lichuma has been found alive at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after being reported missing for more than three days, sparking renewed calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the injuries he allegedly sustained.

The development comes after rights organisations and fellow activists mounted an intense public campaign demanding his release, alleging that he had been abducted by unknown individuals. His reappearance has shifted focus to questions surrounding his health, the events leading to his disappearance, and whether criminal conduct was involved.

Lichuma was reportedly found at Kenyatta National Hospital on the evening of Sunday, June 28, where he was receiving treatment.

Human rights organisations, including Vocal Africa, said the activist appeared to be in critical physical condition, raising concerns that he may have been subjected to torture or physical assault before being abandoned at the public health facility.

“Following our press conference this morning to demand the police immediately release Comrade Lichuma or face widespread demonstrations, we have this evening confirmed that Comrade Lichuma has been found, but in bad shape at KNH. Comrades are organising to transfer him to a private hospital immediately,” said Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid.

Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Health Condition

According to activists who visited the hospital, Lichuma was reportedly unable to communicate when he was found, prompting fears that he may have suffered severe physical or psychological trauma during the period he was missing.

The Social Justice Centres Working Group expressed relief that the activist had been located alive but said his medical condition remained deeply worrying.

“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, raising concerns about what he may have been subjected to during the period he was missing,” the organisation said.

Medical officials had not publicly commented on Lichuma’s condition by the time of publication, while family members and fellow activists continued making arrangements to transfer him to a private medical facility for specialised treatment.

Calls for Independent Investigation

The activist’s return has intensified demands for accountability from human rights organisations, which are now urging authorities to conduct an independent investigation into his reported disappearance.

Lobby groups want investigators to establish where Lichuma was during the days he was missing, determine the cause of his reported injuries, and identify anyone responsible should criminal wrongdoing be established.

They are also calling for investigations into allegations of unlawful detention, assault and possible violations of constitutional rights.

The incident has reignited debate over reports of enforced disappearances and the safety of activists and government critics in Kenya.

Ultimatum Issued Before Discovery

Lichuma’s discovery came only hours after a coalition of civil society organisations had issued police with a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of three missing activists or face nationwide demonstrations.

Besides Lichuma, the organisations were also seeking information regarding the whereabouts of activists Macmillan Kiari and Abdulaziz Molo, popularly known as Zizo, who they say remain unaccounted for.

It was not immediately clear whether the planned demonstrations would proceed following confirmation that Lichuma had been found, given that concerns remain over the two other reported missing activists.

Police Confirm Missing Person Report

Earlier on Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) acknowledged receiving widespread reports circulating on both mainstream and social media regarding alleged enforced disappearances and torture.

In an official statement, police confirmed that a missing person report concerning Davis Lichuma had been formally lodged at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

“The National Police Service has noted allegations circulating in mainstream and social media regarding enforced disappearances and torture. Furthermore, we acknowledge receipt of a report of a missing person, namely Davis Lichuma, which was made at Central Police Station in Nairobi,” the NPS said.

Police added that investigations into the report were ongoing and assured the public that the matter would be handled professionally in accordance with the law.

Authorities had not, however, provided details on where Lichuma had been found, how he ended up at Kenyatta National Hospital, or whether investigators had identified any suspects in connection with his reported disappearance.

Growing Concern Over Missing Activists

The case has attracted significant national attention amid heightened scrutiny of alleged disappearances involving activists following recent demonstrations across the country.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly urged the government to strengthen protections for civic actors while ensuring that all allegations of enforced disappearances, unlawful detention and torture are investigated independently and transparently.

As investigations continue, attention is now expected to shift toward establishing the circumstances surrounding Lichuma’s disappearance, assessing his medical condition, and determining whether those responsible, if any are identified, will be held accountable under the law.

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Activist Davis Lichuma Found Alive at KNH After Days of Reported Disappearance, Rights Groups Demand Independent Probe