NAIROBI, Kenya – Amnesty International Kenya Director George Morara has raised concerns over the reported abduction of businessman Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, warning that he could be facing imminent deportation to South Sudan.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Morara said the organisation had received credible information indicating that Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, also known as Gadafi Athorbey Guet, was forcibly taken by armed and masked individuals in Nairobi at around 3:00am.
According to Morara, Amnesty believes the businessman may currently be detained at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and could soon be removed from Kenya.
“This constitutes a serious and urgent threat to his life, safety and fundamental rights,” Morara said.
He stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident bear the hallmarks of an enforced disappearance, which is prohibited under both Kenyan and international law.
“Such actions are illegal, unacceptable and incompatible with a democratic society governed by the rule of law,” he added.
Morara reminded state agencies that every person in Kenya is entitled to liberty, security and protection from arbitrary arrest or detention under the Constitution.
He noted that any arrest must be carried out lawfully, transparently and with proper documentation, while detainees must be informed of the reasons for their arrest and granted immediate access to legal representation, family members and medical care.
Morara further stressed that anyone taken into custody must be presented before a court within the timelines prescribed by the Constitution.
The Amnesty International Kenya director called for the immediate disclosure of Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit’s whereabouts and demanded guarantees for his safety and physical integrity.
He also urged authorities to grant his family and legal representatives immediate and unhindered access to him.
Morara called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the reported abduction and demanded accountability for all those responsible, regardless of their rank or affiliation.
“If Mr Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit is suspected of any offence, the only lawful course of action is to proceed through Kenya’s justice system, not through abduction, incommunicado detention and deportation,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to remove the businessman from Kenyan jurisdiction would undermine constitutional protections and the authority of Kenyan courts.
“All persons are entitled to the full protection of the Constitution of Kenya. Kenyan authorities must demonstrate, without delay, their commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights,” Morara said.
He urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that every hour without information about the businessman’s whereabouts increases the risk of irreparable harm.
