NAIROBI, Kenya- The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has taken a firm stance against the government’s silence on a worrying wave of abductions targeting critics of the administration.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo has voiced grave concerns, accusing the authorities of undermining public trust by failing to address the disappearances.
In a Friday statement, Odhiambo criticized the government’s inaction, warning that it risks eroding confidence in its ability to uphold fundamental rights.
“The government’s silence and failure to account for the whereabouts of abducted individuals only serve to undermine public trust in its ability to protect its people,” she stated.
Odhiambo further demanded the immediate disclosure of the missing individuals’ locations, urging either their unconditional release or due process in court.
She also pointed a finger at police leadership, asserting that dismissals of allegations without thorough investigations reflect a troubling failure in governance.
The ongoing abductions appear to target vocal critics of the administration, particularly those leveraging social media to share satirical or critical content.
Among the most recent cases are activists Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Kibet Bull, and Naomi, who were reported missing from counties such as Embu, Nairobi, and Kajiado.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reports that 29 individuals remain missing over the past three months, bringing the total number of abductions since June 2024 to 82.
Despite denials of involvement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya Police Service, the public remains skeptical, with many questioning the sincerity of these statements.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have echoed LSK’s concerns, urging the government to address the rising abduction cases transparently.
Activists argue that the silence not only fosters impunity but also raises fears of a return to darker chapters of Kenya’s history, where dissent was met with intimidation.
As public outcry intensifies, the demand for accountability grows louder. Whether the government will respond meaningfully remains to be seen, but the need for action has never been more urgent.
