Preliminary medical reports indicate that activist Davis Lichuma has no physical injuries and that all his vital organs are intact. Lichuma was found at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) following his alleged abduction between June 25 and June 28, 2026.
His family, however, says it will pursue further medical assessment to confirm his condition and to determine what may have occurred during the time he was missing. Lichuma remained largely unresponsive in his hospital bed and was unable to communicate with visitors. Family members report that he only complained of pain in his leg and around his wrist.
What has heightened concern is that preliminary medical tests have ruled out any visible physical injuries.
“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,” Siaya Governor James Orengo said.
Although doctors have not identified any obvious physical injuries, opposition leaders who visited Davis Lichuma say his mental state suggests possible trauma.
“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,” Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Kalonzo Warns Ruto Over Lichuma Abduction
The opposition leaders described Lichuma as an ardent defender of the Constitution during recent protests. They urged a thorough investigation into all reported cases of enforced disappearances and abductions.
Governor James Orengo added, “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.”
Kalonzo also said the government’s assurances have not matched events on the ground.
“We have an administration that says on one hand that there will be no more abductions, yet abduction squads continue to operate unabated. We want to make it clear to President William Ruto that these crimes will not go unpunished,” he said.
The leaders also criticized the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), arguing that despite having records of alleged police excesses since 2024, it has made little progress in ensuring victims get justice.
“IPOA has these records, and the officers involved are known. What is lacking is the will to hold these officers accountable, and that is why the killings will continue as long as President William Ruto’s administration protects these officers,” DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru added, “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. IPOA, do your job.”
Police said on Monday that they were investigating all reported cases of abduction and assault raised by sections of civil society. Lichuma has since been discharged from Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
