NAIROBI, Kenya- Constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has warned against what he described as a growing attempt to return Kenya to an era of fear, intimidation and enforced disappearances, saying the country must remain anchored in the Constitution and the rule of law.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Otieno said recent reports of alleged abductions should concern all Kenyans, arguing that intimidation cannot be used to silence citizens in a constitutional democracy.
His remarks came after missing activist Davis Lichuma was found alive following days of disappearance after the June 25 anniversary protests.
“There is a dangerous attempt to drag Kenya back to the dark days when fear, intimidation and enforced disappearances were used to silence citizens. That era belongs in our past,” Otieno said.
The lawyer said Kenya fundamentally changed following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which strengthened protections for human rights, due process and the rule of law.
“The government must understand that Kenya changed with the 2010 Constitution. Kenyans are more informed, more vigilant and more determined than ever to defend their rights,” he said.
Otieno argued that use of fear and repression would not achieve lasting stability.
“Every abduction only strengthens public resolve. You cannot terrorize a people who know their constitutional rights. The path to stability is not through fear and repression, but through respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the fundamental freedoms of every Kenyan,” he added.
His remarks come amid renewed concern from human rights organisations following reports that several activists who disappeared after the June 25 demonstrations were later found tortured in different parts of Nairobi.
Human Rights groups have called for independent investigations into the incidents and accountability for those responsible.
The government has consistently maintained that it does not sanction enforced disappearances, torture or unlawful detention.
It has said any allegations involving members of the security services should be investigated through the appropriate legal processes and independent oversight institutions.