Mocking persons with disabilities punishable by jail or Ksh1M fine, KNCHR warns
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has warned Kenyans that mocking or ridiculing persons with disabilities online or in any form is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to Ksh1 million or imprisonment for one year.
This comes after a recent online challenge where a person with disability was targeted for public ridicule and trolling on social media platforms.
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KNCHR said failing to treat persons living with disability with dignity violates the Constitution and the rights of persons with disability as provided by the recently adopted Persons with Disability Act No. 4 of 2025.
“Failing to treat persons living with disability with dignity is not only a violation of the constitution but also a violation of the human rights of persons with disability,” KNCHR stated. The Commission reminded the public that Article 10 of the Constitution upholds the inherent dignity and equal rights of every individual.
New law on protection of persons with disabilities
The Commission said Kenya’s commitment to protecting persons with disabilities has a long history, beginning with the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003, which was strengthened by the 2025 law.
The new Act establishes a strong framework to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the Constitution and international standards.
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It guarantees rights such as equality and non-discrimination under Article 27, human dignity under Article 28, freedom from violence and abuse under Article 29, and the rights to privacy and family life.
KNCHR noted that Section 34 of the new Act allows any person to seek redress at the High Court for violations, while Section 67 makes it an offence to insult or degrade a person with disability.
“Any person who voluntarily or knowingly commits or abets the degrading treatment of a person with disability by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations or otherwise, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both,” the Commission stated.
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KNCHR said it has documented violations and demanded immediate public apologies from all individuals who ridiculed persons with disabilities, warning that those who fail to apologise will face legal action.
