A new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) reveals how Kenyans view responsibility for abductions and extrajudicial killings.
The survey, released on September 11, 2025, shows that 35% of Kenyans blame police and other state security agencies for these violations. Supporters and opponents of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BBG) had similar views, at 36% and 37% respectively.
President Ruto’s Responsibility
Views differ sharply when it comes to President William Ruto. Only 6% of his supporters blame him for abductions and extrajudicial killings. Meanwhile, 19% of his critics hold him responsible.
This shows that political alignment plays a major role in shaping public opinion about the president. Many Kenyans remain unsure about who to blame, with a large portion across political divides answering “don’t know.”
Survey Details
TIFA interviewed 2,023 adults from all 47 counties. The survey covered household economic realities, government policies, political alignment, and expectations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The researchers note that public opinion may have shifted since the survey, but the results give a clear snapshot of attitudes at the time.
Broad-Based Government Support
The survey also shows a rise in support for the broad-based government led by President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Support increased from 22% in May 2025 to 29% in August-September 2025.
Despite this growth, the opposition remains stronger, highlighting a legitimacy challenge for the government. Kenyans are increasingly decisive in their political stances.
Conclusion
Overall, the TIFA survey shows that security agencies carry most of the blame for human rights violations. However, opinions about President Ruto’s role depend heavily on political loyalty.
