The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against mocking or demeaning persons with disabilities, stressing that such acts are now criminal offences under the new Persons with Disability Act No. 4 of 2025.
According to the Commission, offenders risk facing a fine of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment for one year, or both. The warning comes after widespread outrage over a social media trend dubbed the “Raila Junior Challenge”, which mocked Raila Odinga Junior, son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The KNCHR condemned the viral videos, describing them as a violation of human dignity and a breach of constitutional rights. “Failing to treat persons living with disabilities with dignity is not only unconstitutional but also a direct violation of their human rights,” the Commission stated.
The 2025 Act builds upon the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003, strengthening Kenya’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and equality in line with the Constitution and international human rights conventions. It guarantees key rights such as non-discrimination (Article 27), human dignity (Article 28), and freedom from abuse (Article 29).
Importantly, Section 67 of the Act criminalizes insults or humiliation directed at persons with disabilities, while Section 34 allows affected individuals to seek redress before the High Court.
The KNCHR urged Kenyans to embrace empathy and respect, warning that online ridicule and bullying not only harm individuals but also erode the nation’s values of equality and humanity.
Raila Junior has previously revealed that he lives with an acoustic neuroma, a rare non-cancerous tumor affecting the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. The online mockery of his condition drew widespread condemnation, with many Kenyans calling for accountability.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring offenders face justice, reminding citizens that every Kenyan deserves dignity, respect, and protection from ridicule or discrimination.
