On August 23, 2024, unidentified individuals abducted Madzao Rocha, president of the University of Nairobi Students Association.

Rocha was abducted while on his way home. Earlier in the day, he had announced that a large student demonstration would take place on September 2 to protest high student accommodation fees. According to a friend and colleague, Rocha called him prior to his abduction stating that police officers were harassing him.

According to The Kenya Times, Rocha was later let go and returned home. He shared a video message stating that he was safe.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the enforced disappearance of a student leader. State authorities should take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of scholars, students, and staff, including by investigating and holding perpetrators of such acts responsible, in line with international human rights standards. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, kidnappings that target members of the higher education community undermine the conditions needed for the meaningful exercise of the right to education and academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/uon-students-blockMadzao Rocha-uhuru-highway-in-protest-over-missing-leader/ar-AA1pm0Jh
https://thekenyatimes.com/latest-kenya-times-news/uon-student-president-surfaces-with-special-message-after-alleged-abduction/
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/103807-university-nairobi-students-stage-demos-demand-release-their-leader?page=129
https://nairobilawmonthly.com/uproar-as-uon-students-president-disappears/
https://nipashebiz.co.ke/uon-president-rocha-madzao-abducted-controversial-funding-model-sparks-crisis/