NAIROBI, Kenya – Inspector General Douglas Kanja has dismissed claims linking the National Police Service to a spate of abductions that have caused alarm across the country, asserting that no police station is holding any of the reported missing persons.
Speaking in a statement on Thursday, IG Kanja categorically refuted allegations of police complicity in the cases, which have primarily targeted young Kenyans in recent days.
“For avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees,” he stated.
The remarks came in response to public concern following the disappearance of four men: Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and an unidentified individual. Muteti was reportedly abducted by four men, one of whom was allegedly in police uniform, outside a kiosk in Uthiru.
Similarly, Mwangi was reportedly taken from a barbershop in Embu by armed, masked men traveling in a double-cabin pickup truck.
Eyewitness accounts and reports suggest that the missing men had posted inflammatory images of President William Ruto on social media prior to their disappearances, raising questions about possible motives.
Kanja assured the public that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent agencies would investigate the abductions.
He also called on citizens to assist by providing any information about the missing individuals to the nearest police station.
“The matter in question is subject to investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and any other independent body. We appeal to anybody with relevant information about any missing person to report to the nearest police station,” he urged.
The Inspector General cautioned the public against misusing social media, warning that while freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution, it must be exercised responsibly.
He condemned the spread of unverified or malicious information aimed at discrediting the police.
“Whereas Kenya is a democratic country that guarantees freedom of expression, freedom not only comes with certain limitations but should at all times be exercised with utmost responsibility. We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the National Police Service,” Kanja said.
The recent surge in abduction cases has sparked fear and outrage, with many questioning the adequacy of security measures and the accountability of state institutions.
Civil society groups have also called for transparency and swift action to locate the missing individuals and bring those responsible to justice.
Speaking in a statement on Thursday, IG Kanja categorically refuted allegations of police complicity in the cases, which have primarily targeted young Kenyans in recent days.
“For avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees,” he stated.
The remarks came in response to public concern following the disappearance of four men: Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and an unidentified individual. Muteti was reportedly abducted by four men, one of whom was allegedly in police uniform, outside a kiosk in Uthiru.
Similarly, Mwangi was reportedly taken from a barbershop in Embu by armed, masked men traveling in a double-cabin pickup truck.
Eyewitness accounts and reports suggest that the missing men had posted inflammatory images of President William Ruto on social media prior to their disappearances, raising questions about possible motives.
Kanja assured the public that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent agencies would investigate the abductions.
He also called on citizens to assist by providing any information about the missing individuals to the nearest police station.
“The matter in question is subject to investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and any other independent body. We appeal to anybody with relevant information about any missing person to report to the nearest police station,” he urged.
The Inspector General cautioned the public against misusing social media, warning that while freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution, it must be exercised responsibly.
He condemned the spread of unverified or malicious information aimed at discrediting the police.
“Whereas Kenya is a democratic country that guarantees freedom of expression, freedom not only comes with certain limitations but should at all times be exercised with utmost responsibility. We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the National Police Service,” Kanja said.
The recent surge in abduction cases has sparked fear and outrage, with many questioning the adequacy of security measures and the accountability of state institutions.
Civil society groups have also called for transparency and swift action to locate the missing individuals and bring those responsible to justice.
