NAIROBI, Kenya – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for a string of abductions targeting young Kenyans, a crisis that has escalated since June 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Muturi stressed the urgent need to end the wave of disappearances that have left families devastated and public trust in security forces severely shaken.
Muturi’s plea comes from a deeply personal place, as he revealed the lasting emotional impact on his family following the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, in June 2024.
Leslie was reportedly kidnapped from Nairobi’s Lavington area on a Saturday night and was later released, but the family has yet to receive any explanation for the ordeal.
“I have personally suffered as my son was abducted, leaving my family in turmoil,” said Muturi. “Despite my position as Attorney General at the time and my connections to national intelligence, I have never received any details behind Leslie’s abduction.”
The lack of information and accountability has only deepened the public’s mistrust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
CS Muturi: If youths have issues with the government that they want to raise, let us allow them to do so because that is what democracy is all about. We are a democratic county. It is our duty as government to ensure that everybody lives freely and is able to say what they think
Muturi criticized the silence from the authorities and demanded transparency regarding the number of youths abducted, those released, and those still missing.
Human rights organizations have reported that over 80 Kenyans have been abducted since June 2025, often in connection with anti-government protests.
Among the most recent cases are five individuals who had been vocal critics of President William Ruto and his administration on social media.
These include Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplangat, and cartoonist Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull.
Despite testimonies suggesting the involvement of security personnel in these abductions, the National Police Service has denied any participation.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja recently ignored court summons on January 8, further fueling public outrage.
CS Muturi: I am unaware of any forces formed to abduct Kenyans, as that would be illegal. The government cannot abduct its own people
