IG Douglas Kanja Dismisses Claims of Police Involvement in Rising Abductions

NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has denied allegations that officers within the National Police Service (NPS) are connected to a troubling surge in abductions and disappearances reported since June this year.

Kanja addressed the matter in a session before the National Assembly Committee on National Administration and Internal Security, where he faced questions about recent reports of abductions, many of which are suspected to be linked to anti-government protests by young Kenyans, popularly referred to as the Gen Z Movement.

“The National Police Service does not engage in kidnappings or abductions. Our mandate is to arrest and detain individuals lawfully at gazetted stations, followed by due process in the courts when there is evidence to support charges,” Kanja stated.

Kanja reported that of the 57 disappearance cases logged since June, 22 individuals have been located alive, two have been found deceased, and 29 remain missing.

He affirmed that investigative efforts are ongoing, pledging rigorous pursuit of any credible leads in the remaining cases.

The Inspector General also emphasized that any officers found to be involved in misconduct would be subject to prosecution, assuring the public that “no one is above the law.”

Human rights organizations have sounded the alarm on this issue, urging transparency and accountability within the NPS.

They continue to call for greater scrutiny over the police, as cases of missing persons provoke widespread concern among Kenyans.

The IG’s remarks come amid increasing pressure on law enforcement to clarify the recent surge in abductions, with many questioning the handling and frequency of such incidents.

The police vow to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice if wrongdoing is found within its ranks.