NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a scathing rebuke of the Kenyan government over what he termed a resurgence of abductions, enforced disappearances, and police reprisals, following the nationwide anti-government protests held on June 25.
In a statement released from his Nairobi-based campaign headquarters on Tuesday, Maraga singled out Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin over the mysterious disappearance of activist Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, who was reportedly abducted from his home in Kinoo, Kiambu County, on June 21.
“Mr. Amin has taken Kenyans through another ‘he hit his head on the police cell wall’ tall tale,” Maraga said, referencing past incidents where authorities have been accused of covering up acts of brutality with implausible explanations.
According to Maraga, the pattern of unmarked Subaru vehicles, plainclothes officers, and official denials has become all too familiar — a method he claims bears the unmistakable signature of state-sanctioned abductions.
“Ndiang’ui’s disappearance bears all the hallmarks of recent abductions. The DCI must produce this young man immediately, as directed by Justice Chacha Mwita,” he added.
The former CJ also called for the resignation of DCI Director Amin and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing them of “utter incompetence” and failure to uphold constitutional protections for Kenyans.
“These actions violate Article 29 of the Constitution and threaten the security and dignity of all Kenyans,” he said.
Maraga further condemned what he described as the targeted harassment and criminalisation of human rights defenders (HRDs).
He cited the recent arrests of John Nzau, Mark Miani, Francis Mwangi, and Davis Tafari, calling the charges against them “trumped-up” and demanding their immediate release.
“This government should stop intimidating and harassing HRDs. Their only crime is defending the freedoms we are all entitled to under the Constitution,” he said.
Stop Reprisals and Abductions!
Maraga didn’t spare President William Ruto, accusing him of “lying to Kenyans” about the government’s commitment to ending abductions.
He referenced the President’s statement made during a joint press conference with Finland’s president in May, where Ruto claimed that all abducted persons had been returned to their families and vowed no such cases would recur.
“President Ruto must stop giving false assurances while abductions continue unabated. The government cannot claim ignorance when the trend points to systematic state involvement,” Maraga stated.
In closing, Maraga called on Kenyans to hold the government accountable, invoking the spirit of the 2010 Constitution.
“We must have the courage to pursue the ideals of our Constitution against the forces of a regime that has gone rogue. Only then can we restore order and accountability in this country.”
