NAIROBI, Kenya — Doctors have found no visible physical injuries on social justice activist Davis Lichuma, even as concerns mount over his psychological condition following his disappearance during the June 25 demonstrations.
Preliminary medical examinations conducted after Lichuma was found and admitted to hospital indicate that his vital organs are functioning normally and there is no evidence of external injuries. However, family members and opposition leaders say he remains largely unresponsive and unable to account for the period he was missing.
Lichuma reportedly disappeared on June 25 during demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests before resurfacing on June 28 at Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to relatives, the activist has only complained of pain in his leg and wrist but has been unable to explain what transpired during the days he was missing.
The absence of visible injuries has prompted calls for specialised medical examinations to determine whether he may have suffered psychological or other forms of trauma.
Speaking after visiting Lichuma in hospital, Siaya Governor James Orengo said torture does not always leave physical marks.
“There are aggressive ways of carrying out torture that are not observable, and we will need experts to tell us exactly what may have been done to this young man,” Orengo said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Lichuma appeared to be suffering from severe psychological trauma despite the absence of physical injuries.
“Even though he does not have visible injuries and doctors have examined him, the greatest pain he appears to be suffering from is the trauma of torture because he is still not fully conscious,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition leaders described Lichuma as a constitutional rights defender and called for comprehensive investigations into reported cases of enforced disappearances and alleged abductions.
“We must bring to an end what is happening in our country. Abductions should not happen in a free and fair democracy. The government should come out clearly and explain what happened,” Orengo said.
Kalonzo argued that allegations of torture should be treated as criminal offences rather than political disputes.
“Let me be clear: torture is a crime under the Rome Statute. Not a grey area. Not a political talking point. A crime,” he said.
He questioned why reports of alleged abductions continue despite repeated government assurances that such incidents would cease.
The opposition also criticised the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), accusing it of failing to hold security officers accountable over reported cases of police excesses since the 2024 anti-government protests.
Kalonzo urged the oversight body to act on evidence already in its possession, while DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa claimed a lack of accountability had emboldened perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru appealed to IPOA to expedite investigations into reported cases.
“IPOA, please do your job because you are making it very difficult for us to defend the government if these incidents continue to dominate the news every day,” Waiguru said.
On Monday, the National Police Service (NPS) said it was investigating all reported cases of alleged abduction and assault raised by civil society organisations, but did not provide details on Lichuma’s disappearance.
Lichuma has since been discharged from Nairobi Women’s Hospital, where he was transferred for further treatment.