Western diplomats voice concerns over human rights issues as Kenya joins UN council

Western diplomats in Kenya have expressed concern over arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances as the country begins its term on the United Nations Human Rights Council. They called for prompt investigations into these issues. Human rights groups allege that the Kenyan government has targeted critics with arrests and abductions. Recent incidents include the abduction of four Turkish nationals, who were returned despite seeking asylum, raising concerns about violations of non-refoulement laws. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 60 extrajudicial killings and 71 cases of abductions since June. The police also noted a rise in gender-based violence, with 97 women killed in the past three months.