NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed allegations of involvement in the disappearance of Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, a close associate of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
The claims surfaced after Kibet was reported missing on December 24, 2024, shortly after a meeting at the senator’s office in Nairobi.
Senator Omtatah alleged that Kibet was abducted by individuals linked to the DCI, citing the presence of a Subaru vehicle equipped with surveillance equipment near his office on the day of the incident.
“My security detail informed me that the vehicle, which had spy gadgets used for intercepting communications, was parked across the road and only left after Kibet departed,” Omtatah stated.
The senator further disclosed that a check with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) traced the vehicle to an individual identified as Caroline, but he did not elaborate on her connection to the case.
In response, the DCI refuted the claims, describing them as “unfounded” and “sensationalized.”
A statement from the agency emphasized that all police operations adhere to constitutional and legal frameworks.
“The Inspector General (IG) has reiterated that no extrajudicial actions will be tolerated within the police force,” the statement read.
The investigative body urged anyone with credible information about Kibet’s disappearance or other abduction cases to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
The incident highlights a growing concern over abductions in Kenya, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reporting a total of 82 cases since June 2024.
Seven of these occurred in December alone, with only one victim, identified as Naomi, being found so far.
Other missing persons include Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplang’at, and Kibet Bull.
KNCHR has linked many of these cases to the period of heightened anti-government protests earlier in the year.
Despite public outcry, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reiterated that the police force is not involved in the abductions and pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The rising number of enforced disappearances has alarmed human rights groups, raising questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and transparency in addressing these incidents.
The claims surfaced after Kibet was reported missing on December 24, 2024, shortly after a meeting at the senator’s office in Nairobi.
Senator Omtatah alleged that Kibet was abducted by individuals linked to the DCI, citing the presence of a Subaru vehicle equipped with surveillance equipment near his office on the day of the incident.
“My security detail informed me that the vehicle, which had spy gadgets used for intercepting communications, was parked across the road and only left after Kibet departed,” Omtatah stated.
The senator further disclosed that a check with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) traced the vehicle to an individual identified as Caroline, but he did not elaborate on her connection to the case.
In response, the DCI refuted the claims, describing them as “unfounded” and “sensationalized.”
A statement from the agency emphasized that all police operations adhere to constitutional and legal frameworks.
“The Inspector General (IG) has reiterated that no extrajudicial actions will be tolerated within the police force,” the statement read.
The investigative body urged anyone with credible information about Kibet’s disappearance or other abduction cases to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
The incident highlights a growing concern over abductions in Kenya, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reporting a total of 82 cases since June 2024.
Seven of these occurred in December alone, with only one victim, identified as Naomi, being found so far.
Other missing persons include Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplang’at, and Kibet Bull.
KNCHR has linked many of these cases to the period of heightened anti-government protests earlier in the year.
Despite public outcry, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reiterated that the police force is not involved in the abductions and pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The rising number of enforced disappearances has alarmed human rights groups, raising questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and transparency in addressing these incidents.
