NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government faces growing calls to act on a wave of abductions targeting young citizens, with 29 individuals still missing, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The commission, alongside the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), is demanding swift action and the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.
KNCHR has condemned the abduction pattern, accusing state security agencies of targeting critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
The commission expressed outrage at the alleged failure of the police to comply with constitutional mandates, including presenting suspects in court within 24 hours.
“It is unacceptable for the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to feign ignorance while abductions are happening in broad daylight, some even captured on CCTV,” the commission said in a statement.
On December 26, Kanja denied police involvement in the abductions, often carried out by men in plain clothes believed to be security agents. He claimed the police were not responsible for the incidents.
KNCHR dismissed this explanation, stating, “The National Police Service is constitutionally obligated to protect every Kenyan. These abductions undermine the trust and safety citizens should feel under their government.”
The rights body urged the government to prioritize human rights, reminding officials of Kenya’s international commitments, including its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“We call on the Inspector General to investigate these violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the unconditional release or lawful presentation in court of any illegally detained individuals, including the 29 still missing,” KNCHR said.
The Law Society of Kenya echoed these demands, warning that the incidents threaten constitutional guarantees and public security.
LSK criticized the police’s denial of responsibility, labeling it inadequate without concrete steps to address the crisis.
“It is insufficient for the Inspector General to merely deny police involvement without outlining explicit measures being taken to combat these human rights violations,” LSK stated.
The society highlighted alarming cases such as the disappearance of social media users Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Gabriel Supeet, calling for transparent investigations.
Both KNCHR and LSK emphasized the urgent need for the government to uphold human rights, citing the negative impact of enforced disappearances on Kenya’s international reputation.
“Kenya’s position on the global stage demands that it safeguard the rights and well-being of its citizens,” the KNCHR said.
The groups reiterated their calls for the government to ratify and implement international conventions on enforced disappearances to prevent future violations.
The commission, alongside the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), is demanding swift action and the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.
KNCHR has condemned the abduction pattern, accusing state security agencies of targeting critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
The commission expressed outrage at the alleged failure of the police to comply with constitutional mandates, including presenting suspects in court within 24 hours.
“It is unacceptable for the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to feign ignorance while abductions are happening in broad daylight, some even captured on CCTV,” the commission said in a statement.
On December 26, Kanja denied police involvement in the abductions, often carried out by men in plain clothes believed to be security agents. He claimed the police were not responsible for the incidents.
KNCHR dismissed this explanation, stating, “The National Police Service is constitutionally obligated to protect every Kenyan. These abductions undermine the trust and safety citizens should feel under their government.”
The rights body urged the government to prioritize human rights, reminding officials of Kenya’s international commitments, including its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“We call on the Inspector General to investigate these violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the unconditional release or lawful presentation in court of any illegally detained individuals, including the 29 still missing,” KNCHR said.
The Law Society of Kenya echoed these demands, warning that the incidents threaten constitutional guarantees and public security.
LSK criticized the police’s denial of responsibility, labeling it inadequate without concrete steps to address the crisis.
“It is insufficient for the Inspector General to merely deny police involvement without outlining explicit measures being taken to combat these human rights violations,” LSK stated.
The society highlighted alarming cases such as the disappearance of social media users Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Gabriel Supeet, calling for transparent investigations.
Both KNCHR and LSK emphasized the urgent need for the government to uphold human rights, citing the negative impact of enforced disappearances on Kenya’s international reputation.
“Kenya’s position on the global stage demands that it safeguard the rights and well-being of its citizens,” the KNCHR said.
The groups reiterated their calls for the government to ratify and implement international conventions on enforced disappearances to prevent future violations.
