NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive claims about the existence of a clandestine unit orchestrating abductions across the country, allegedly operating from a high-rise building in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Gachagua said the unit is led by a man he referred to only as “Abel,” reportedly a relative of a senior government official.
“There is a unit that is not under the command of the Inspector General of Police. They operate from the 21st floor of a building in Nairobi’s city center,” Gachagua said. “The unit is headed by Mr. Abel, who is a cousin to a very senior official in this government.”
He vowed to disclose the full identities of the individuals and the location if the unit is not dismantled.
“Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit,” he added.
The former deputy president’s allegations come amid growing public concern over a surge in abductions.
In December alone, six youths, including controversial cartoonist Gideon Kibet (alias Kibet Bull), have reportedly been abducted.
The total number of abductions since June now stands at 82, fueling fear and speculation about the motives behind these disappearances.
Victims appear to share one characteristic: a history of publicly criticizing President William Ruto and his administration. Gachagua suggested the abductions are an attempt to silence dissent.
“Killing our children will not quell the anger of Kenyan people,” he said. “Abducting young people is not a solution; you must address the cause of discontent.”
Gachagua took aim at his former ally, President Ruto, accusing him of tacitly endorsing the abductions through silence.
“Why has everybody turned against you and the administration in only two years? That is what you need to interrogate instead of persecuting these children,” he said.
He also alleged that Ruto’s administration has uniquely targeted young people, marking a departure from post-independence Kenya’s political norms.
“This is the only administration since independence that has targeted children. The President must answer why,” Gachagua charged.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, dismissed the allegations, labeling them as “malicious” and “fabricated” attempts to tarnish the reputation of the National Police Service.
“We appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the police,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also denied involvement, specifically refuting claims of their role in the abduction of cartoonist Kibet.
Gachagua’s remarks underscore the rising political tensions in the country, as questions about the government’s role in the abductions remain unanswered.
His accusations have added a layer of complexity to an already volatile political climate, with critics and citizens calling for accountability.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Gachagua said the unit is led by a man he referred to only as “Abel,” reportedly a relative of a senior government official.
“There is a unit that is not under the command of the Inspector General of Police. They operate from the 21st floor of a building in Nairobi’s city center,” Gachagua said. “The unit is headed by Mr. Abel, who is a cousin to a very senior official in this government.”
He vowed to disclose the full identities of the individuals and the location if the unit is not dismantled.
“Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit,” he added.
The former deputy president’s allegations come amid growing public concern over a surge in abductions.
In December alone, six youths, including controversial cartoonist Gideon Kibet (alias Kibet Bull), have reportedly been abducted.
The total number of abductions since June now stands at 82, fueling fear and speculation about the motives behind these disappearances.
Victims appear to share one characteristic: a history of publicly criticizing President William Ruto and his administration. Gachagua suggested the abductions are an attempt to silence dissent.
“Killing our children will not quell the anger of Kenyan people,” he said. “Abducting young people is not a solution; you must address the cause of discontent.”
Gachagua took aim at his former ally, President Ruto, accusing him of tacitly endorsing the abductions through silence.
“Why has everybody turned against you and the administration in only two years? That is what you need to interrogate instead of persecuting these children,” he said.
He also alleged that Ruto’s administration has uniquely targeted young people, marking a departure from post-independence Kenya’s political norms.
“This is the only administration since independence that has targeted children. The President must answer why,” Gachagua charged.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, dismissed the allegations, labeling them as “malicious” and “fabricated” attempts to tarnish the reputation of the National Police Service.
“We appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the police,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also denied involvement, specifically refuting claims of their role in the abduction of cartoonist Kibet.
Gachagua’s remarks underscore the rising political tensions in the country, as questions about the government’s role in the abductions remain unanswered.
His accusations have added a layer of complexity to an already volatile political climate, with critics and citizens calling for accountability.
