NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Rendon Ingonga, has stepped in to address the growing alarm over a wave of abductions and forced disappearances.
In response to widespread public outcry, the DPP has directed the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track investigations and provide an update within three days.
“I have noted with great concern the reports of suspected cases of abductions and forced disappearances of citizens, as highlighted in both mainstream and social media,” Ingonga said in a Sunday evening statement.
Invoking Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, the DPP emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging authorities to expedite their inquiries and submit their findings or updates within 72 hours.
https://twitter.com/ODPP_KE/status/1873457411786436729
The reported disappearances, which occurred in December 2024, involve five individuals: Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, satirist Gideon Kibet (known as Kibet Bull), and his brother, Ronny Kiplagat.
All were allegedly taken by unidentified individuals and remain missing, fueling fears of state involvement.
The missing individuals have one critical factor in common—they are vocal critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
While security operatives have been accused of involvement, government authorities have repeatedly denied the allegations.
Public outrage over these disappearances continues to grow, with citizens and human rights groups demanding accountability.
The issue has also ignited debate on social media, where hashtags like #FindThemNow are trending, reflecting the urgency and sensitivity of the situation.
President Ruto broke his silence on Friday, offering remarks that many found dismissive. Instead of addressing the allegations head-on, he called for better parental guidance for the youth, leaving critics unsatisfied.
The president’s failure to directly address the growing evidence of government complicity has only intensified public frustration.
The pressure is now on the NPS and IPOA to deliver timely and transparent updates, as the clock ticks on the DPP’s directive. With the stakes this high, all eyes are on the next 72 hours.
