NAIROBI, Kenya – Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has rejected a request from Nyandarua Senator John Methu to convene a special Senate session to address the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances.
In a letter, Kingi cited the Senate’s Standing Orders, emphasizing that such a request could only be initiated by either the Senate Leader or the Minority Leader.
“I note that the request is anchored on Standing Order 33(1) of the Senate Standing Orders,” Kingi stated.
Senator Methu had raised the alarm over the increasing number of abductions, describing them as severe violations of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and the right to life and security.
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He urged the Senate to prioritize this issue, highlighting it as a matter of national importance.
“This matter has raised deep national concern as it infringes on the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution,” Methu stated.
He expressed particular worry over “alarming admissions” from the Kenya Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who have denied any involvement, raising suspicions of a rogue criminal syndicate operating beyond the oversight of law enforcement agencies.
Methu’s plea comes amid a surge in public outcry and protests from human rights groups demanding transparency and accountability from the government.
The recent discovery of four abducted youths has intensified calls for action.
Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplagat were found after being missing for weeks, with their families linking the abductions to their criticisms of the government.
Muteti, who was abducted outside his Nairobi apartment on December 21 following controversial social media posts, returned home after being released by his captors.
Mwangi similarly walked back to his home in Embu after being abandoned in Nyeri, about 60 kilometers away.