Opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government have demanded urgent investigations into the alleged abduction and torture of activist Davis Lichuma, who was reportedly taken on June 25, 2026, after a peaceful march to Parliament and later found hospitalized in critical condition.
The leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, visited Lichuma at Nairobi Women’s Hospital, where they said they found him in a grave physical and emotional state.
“Davis Lichuma’s worst injuries are from torture. He is traumatized. A Kenyan citizen who believes he has protection under the law and the constitution, who has suffered torture. We want to tell president Ruto that he is the one bearing the greatest responsibility for this,” said Kalonzo Musyoka.
According to the leaders, Lichuma was unable to speak and appeared visibly traumatized following what they described as severe torture.
They said his condition pointed to a deeply disturbing violation of his rights and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.
Kalonzo condemned the incident, terming it a gross violation of human rights and a direct attack on democracy.
“We have been documenting every case. You have an administration here which says there will be no more abductions but the abductions continue. The crime of torture under the Rome statute is a crime against humanity,” Kalonzo said.
The leaders said the alleged abduction was part of a worrying pattern of intimidation, unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances targeting young people, activists and citizens who participate in peaceful civic action.
They called on security agencies to act strictly within the law and ensure that all operations respect the Constitution, human dignity and the right to peaceful assembly.
“We have spoken to some of the victims who were actually abducted and they told us what happened. What they went through was intimidation not to ever again take part in demos. Each police officer used to torture, misuse firearms and take life must be held personally accountable,” said Wamalwa.
The June 25 march to parliament was held amid continuing public concern over police conduct, accountability and the handling of civic protests in the country.
Activists and opposition leaders have repeatedly accused state agencies of using excessive force and unlawful tactics against demonstrators, claims that authorities have in the past denied or defended as necessary for public order.
Muturi and Wamalwa said Lichuma’s case should not be treated as an isolated incident, arguing that it reflects a broader threat to constitutional freedoms if not addressed decisively.
The leaders urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other relevant investigative agencies to move quickly, record statements, preserve evidence and establish the circumstances under which Lichuma disappeared and later ended up in hospital.
“William Ruto, it is very shameful that as head of state that you can spend so many hours purporting to be opening bridges but you cannot even have the courtesy to send a message of empathy to those that have been affected by the conduct of your security forces. We are documenting everything and we will hold you accountable,” said Muturi.
They also called for transparency in the investigation, saying Kenyans deserve to know who was behind the alleged abduction and whether any state officers were involved.
The opposition leaders said torture is prohibited under Kenyan law and international human rights instruments, adding that it may also amount to a serious international crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court where the legal threshold is met.
“Those responsible must be identified, prosecuted and held fully accountable without exception,” the leaders said.
They further expressed solidarity with Lichuma’s family, saying they would continue to stand with them as they seek justice and medical support for the activist.
The leaders said Lichuma’s condition should trouble every Kenyan, regardless of political affiliation, because the right to protest and express dissent is protected under the Constitution.
They warned that allowing abductions, torture and intimidation to go unpunished would weaken democratic institutions and create fear among citizens.
The group also appealed to human rights organisations, religious leaders, professional bodies and the international community to monitor the case closely and demand accountability.
They said justice for Lichuma would send a strong message that no individual or agency is above the law.
The leaders pledged to follow up the matter until the truth is established and those behind the alleged attack are brought to justice.
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