Recent Abductions
Since 2024 and following the introduction of the controversial Finance Bill, there has been public outcry throughout Kenya to stop the alleged abduction and torture of those who have spoken out against unfavorable government policies. Tension has permeated every aspect of society and has been reminiscent of the Moi era where brutality was the ordre du jour for both state and non-state actors. With parents needing to warn their children to get home safe for more than the usual reasons and with protesters in their teens needing to take on the role of protest safety educators, the surge of abduction reports will most likely have an insidious effect on the public psyche and on our individual mental health leaving deep, enduring emotional scars.
Abductions are not only a threat to our physical safety but also to our psychological wellbeing and their impact on families, survivors and communities at large has been profound. As seen in articles from The Nation, Convo Africa and The Danish Institute Against Torture (Dignity) protestors were reported to have had experiences of severe trauma, anxiety, grief, PTSD and depression. These reports are further evidenced in the stories of individuals like George Diano, Austin Omondi, and John. The constant threat of violence and the unpredictable nature of protests infiltrated by goons has left many Kenyans with intense feelings of insecurity and hopelessness and could lead to longer term effects among those who are most vulnerable. It is worth noting the work of scholars like Angela Davis and Mariam Kaba whose work illuminates how state violence can have far reaching consequences on mental health so that we might develop holistic approaches to healing and justice.
In response to these concerns, some activists, social justice centers and grassroots organizations have stepped forward to document cases of abduction and provide critical psychological support. Missing Voices Kenya, Amnesty International, Mathare Social Justice and numerous others have championed the advocacy for and assistance of those most affected by these traumatic experiences with lawyers, both at an individual level, and with affiliations to Kenya Human Rights Commission, Law Society of Kenya and other CSOs, providing assurance of their support. These safety nets are instrumental in supporting survivors on their path to recovery. Care, community, accountability and transparency are the strongest shields we may have in the face of political violence, and the first step towards general wellbeing.
Given the ongoing crisis and the effects we have examined, there is an urgent need for sweeping policy change. But there is also no better time to have important discussions around mental health and protective factors with those closest to us and those affected by the situation. What would it take to strengthen Mental Health Systems and support networks across the country? How do we form community and with whom? How do we foster resilience and nurture hope when the world feels like it’s crumbling? Seeking these answers will be key in creating a safer environment where human rights are respected and mental well-being is prioritized.
By Veronica Wanyee