NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the growing trend of online ridicule targeting Raila Odinga Jr. and other persons with disabilities (PWDs), terming it a blatant violation of human rights and Kenya’s constitutional values.
In a statement released on October 22, 2025, KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah expressed deep concern over what she described as an “emerging wave of digital cruelty” directed at individuals with disabilities on social media platforms.
The Commission said the mocking of PWDs constitutes not only a moral failure but also an infringement of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2025 and Article 10 of the Constitution, which emphasizes human dignity, equity, and social justice.
“Failure to treat persons living with disability with dignity is not only a violation of the Constitution but also a violation of their human rights,” Ogangah stated.
She warned that those participating in the online mockery would be held accountable under the law.
The KNCHR has demanded a public apology from individuals identified as having ridiculed PWDs online and confirmed that it has already collected the social media account details of the perpetrators.
“The KNCHR is in possession of the social media accounts of the perpetrators and will, in due course, release their identities,” the statement read.
Ogangah further cautioned that failure to issue a public apology would prompt legal action under Section 67 of the Persons with Disabilities Act or other relevant laws.
The Commission’s statement follows days of public outcry after videos and memes mocking Raila Odinga Jr. went viral, drawing criticism from rights groups and disability advocates who said such content perpetuates stigma and discrimination.
Prominent disability activist and gospel musician Daddy Owen also spoke out, condemning what he called a “shameful misuse of social media” to dehumanize persons with disabilities.
“As a disability activist, I am deeply saddened and appalled by individuals who have chosen to misuse their platforms to insult and demean persons with disabilities and their conditions. I strongly condemn such reprehensible behaviour,” he said.
Daddy Owen warned that continued abuse of digital spaces could prompt government restrictions on online expression, potentially endangering freedom of speech.
“These actions only serve to justify the government’s enforcement of laws such as the Cybercrime Bill. We must not allow our misconduct to become the reason for policies that may infringe upon fundamental freedoms and human rights,” he added.
The musician reminded Kenyans that disability can affect anyone at any time, noting, “Disability is a club that anyone can join at any moment. Some are born into it, but many acquire disabilities through accidents or medical conditions. No one is immune.”
Urging Kenyans to practice empathy and restraint, he invoked a Swahili proverb: “Usitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo” — never insult the midwives while childbirth is still part of life.
As the KNCHR prepares to take legal and public awareness measures, the incident has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of digital responsibility and social media ethics in Kenya.
Rights advocates have emphasized that free speech must coexist with respect for human dignity — the cornerstone of a just and inclusive society.
