Loved one arrested or missing during demos? KNCHR issues emergency hotlines

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has urged Kenyans whose relatives have been arrested or gone missing during the Gen Z protest anniversary commemorations to seek immediate assistance through designated emergency hotlines.

In a statement issued on Thursday, KNCHR called on families affected by the demonstrations to report cases of arrests, disappearances or injuries through a network of human rights, legal and medical support organisations.

The commission shared a list of emergency contacts that can assist victims and their families, including KNCHR's toll-free line (0800 720 627), the Law Society of Kenya (0111 231 010), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (0800 721 401) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (0799 434 909).

Other organisations providing support include Defenders Coalition, Amnesty International Kenya, Civic Freedoms Forum and a Coast-region medical and legal response team.

Families can also reach the Defenders Coalition emergency toll-free line (+254 800 722 292) and psychosocial support line (+254 800 724 280), Amnesty International Kenya (0759 464 346), Civic Freedoms Forum (0728 303 864), and the Coast Medical and Legal Response team toll-free line (0800 723 544).

KNCHR said the hotlines are intended to help families trace loved ones, access legal representation and obtain medical and psychosocial support where necessary.

The appeal comes amid nationwide commemorations marking the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests, which drew thousands of young Kenyans to the streets to honour those who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.

Human rights groups have been closely monitoring the protests and have repeatedly called on security agencies to respect constitutional rights, including the freedoms of assembly, expression and peaceful protest.