NAIROBI, Kenya – Nearly three in four Kenyans believe the government is not doing enough to investigate or curb extra-judicial killings and abductions, with the police cited as the main perpetrators, a new survey shows.
The Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) report, released Thursday, reveals that 73% of citizens feel authorities have failed to act, compared to just 19% who say the state is taking adequate measures.
The survey, conducted between August 23 and September 3, 2025, sampled 2,023 adults across all 47 counties and carries a margin of error of +/- 2.17%.
A plurality of respondents (35%) identified the police and other security agencies as primarily responsible for extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances.
This view was shared almost equally by government supporters (36%) and critics (37%).
Another 15% blamed political operatives and hired gangs, while nearly one in five government opponents pointed fingers directly at President William Ruto—a claim supported by only 6% of government loyalists.
Despite these views, 30% of Kenyans said they were unsure who to hold accountable, with smaller proportions attributing responsibility to unknown actors (3%) or terrorist groups (2%).
TIFA also noted a sharp political divide on perceptions of the government’s response: 37% of Broad-Based Government (BBG) supporters credited the state with handling the issue well, compared to just 12% of opponents.
The release of the survey coincided with searing criticism from former Chief Justice David Maraga, who accused President Ruto’s administration of misusing the courts and anti-terrorism laws to stifle dissent.
Speaking outside Kahawa Law Courts, where several youths charged with terrorism were arraigned, Maraga said he joined other advocates in solidarity.
“These young people are not terrorists—they are the conscience of our nation,” Maraga said. “The lives of these 70 youth have been turned into hell. Some are stuck in cells because they cannot raise bond.”
The former CJ, who has declared his interest in the 2027 presidency, demanded that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions drop what he termed “sham charges” against peaceful protesters.
The TIFA findings come against the backdrop of last year’s deadly protests over the Finance Bill, during which dozens of demonstrators were killed, largely by police.
While the government has since announced plans to compensate victims, the report underscores deepening mistrust in the state’s ability to end rights violations.
