A new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) has revealed that nearly one in five Kenyans hold President William Ruto directly responsible for recent human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
According to TIFA Research CEO Maggie Ireri, the findings highlight sharp political divisions. While 19 per cent of government critics blamed Ruto for the abuses, only 6 per cent of his supporters shared the same view.
The survey, conducted between August 23 and September 3, 2025, interviewed 2,023 randomly selected Kenyans across all 47 counties. It revealed that the majority of Kenyans view the police and other state security agencies as the main perpetrators of these violations. Thirty-five per cent of respondents identified them as primarily responsible, a view shared almost equally by both supporters and opponents of the Broad-Based Government (BBG)—36 per cent and 37 per cent respectively.
“Overall, a clear plurality of Kenyans believe that the police and/or other state security agencies bear the main responsibility for extrajudicial killings (35 per cent). There is hardly any contrast between supporters and opponents of the BBG on this question,” the survey noted.
Other respondents attributed blame to political operatives, criminal gangs, or unidentified actors. However, a significant proportion admitted they were unsure who to hold accountable.
The poll also underscored public dissatisfaction with the government’s response. An overwhelming 73 per cent of Kenyans said the state has failed to act decisively to curb extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Only 19 per cent believed the government was doing enough, while 8 per cent were undecided.
Political alignment shaped perceptions of the government’s efforts. Among BBG supporters, 37 per cent approved of the response, compared to just 12 per cent of opponents, exposing deep partisan divisions over state accountability on human rights.
