By Ebi Kesiena
Kenyan rights groups, lawyers, and politicians have raised serious concerns over a fresh wave of abductions targeting government critics.
A small protest was held in northeastern Embu town following the disappearance of 24-year-old Billy Mwangi last weekend.
Security forces in Kenya have been accused of conducting illegal detentions, particularly since youth-led anti-government demonstrations in June and July. The recent victims are primarily young men who have criticised President William Ruto online.
While police have denied any involvement, activists question their apparent reluctance to investigate the disappearances.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) criticised recent denials by the Inspector-General of Police, deeming them “insufficient”, and called for decisive action against the perpetrators or a resignation.
Additionally, Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka joined other leaders in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted individuals.
“If not, Kenyans of goodwill have an obligation under Article 37 of our 2010 Constitution to demonstrate!” Onyonka warned.
Since 17 December 2024, at least seven young people have been reported abducted. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported a total of 82 abductions since June, with 29 individuals still unaccounted for. In the last three months alone, 13 new cases have been reported, although one individual abducted in December has been found.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged affected families to report abductions to the police and provide accurate information to aid investigations.
“We will support the police to ensure thorough investigations establish the whereabouts of those citizens,” Murkomen stated during a weekend address in Bungoma County.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged the existence of a secret unit responsible for the abductions, operating outside the command of the Inspector-General of Police.
“There is a unit that is not under the command of the IG of Police. There’s a building in Nairobi where the unit operates.
“If this unit is not dismantled, we will reveal the name of the building and the identities of those involved. Your guess is as good as mine as to who is commanding that unit,” Gachagua claimed.
