NAIROBI, Kenya- NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua has issued a stern call for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons, accusing security agencies of playing a direct role in Kenya’s escalating disappearance crisis.
Her statements come amid growing public outrage over a spate of abductions that have left families and communities in turmoil.
Karua directly blamed the government for enabling a climate of fear through these enforced disappearances. Highlighting the recent abduction of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye in Nairobi’s Riverside area, she called for urgent action.
“We are reminding President Ruto that Kenya has a constitution, and we are demanding that all abducted persons be released forthwith to celebrate festivities with their families,” she declared during her Friday address.
The outspoken leader’s comments have struck a chord with a public increasingly frustrated by the lack of accountability.
Civil society groups and human rights organizations, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, have amplified similar concerns, urging transparency and swift action.
Despite the mounting accusations, both the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya Police Service have distanced themselves from the abductions.
In a statement, the DCI claimed to be investigating the cases, asserting, “We have received reports of alleged abductions, and the DCI is diligently working to investigate these claims.”
However, skepticism remains high as many of the abducted individuals have been vocal critics of the government.
Over the weekend, five activists—Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Kibet Bull, and Naomi—were reported missing across multiple counties, including Nairobi, Embu, and Kajiado.
Their online activities, which often featured satirical content critical of the administration, have raised questions about the motivations behind their disappearances.
With 82 cases of abductions reported since June 2024, including 13 in the last three months, public anxiety has reached a boiling point. The KNCHR has identified 29 individuals who remain unaccounted for, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.
Human rights organizations and activists are calling for a full, transparent investigation to uncover the truth behind these disappearances and to hold those responsible accountable.
As the crisis deepens, Karua’s rallying cry underscores the stakes: this is not just about missing persons but about the nation’s commitment to upholding democracy and human rights.
