NAIROBI, Kenya- The controversy surrounding alleged state-sponsored abductions has taken an unexpected turn, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah claiming that the so-called abductees are not victims but participants in a political scheme to discredit President William Ruto’s government.
Speaking during a heated press briefing, Ichung’wah accused government critics of staging these disappearances to create a false narrative of oppression.
Airbnb Allegations: A Plot to Smear the Government?
Ichung’wah alleged that individuals reported as missing are “hiding out in Airbnbs with their girlfriends” as part of a coordinated effort to paint the administration in a negative light.
He pointed fingers at opposition leaders, claiming they aim to incite unrest and destabilize the government.
“They are now locking themselves at Airbnbs for three days to tarnish the government’s image,” Ichung’wah stated.
The majority leader also accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of masterminding these incidents, which he likened to the protests of June 25, 2024, when demonstrators stormed Parliament.
He further alleged that plans for staged abductions in Nyeri County were foiled before they could materialize.
Despite Ichung’wah’s fiery accusations, public outrage over abductions remains high, particularly following the government’s ambiguous responses.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja initially denied any police involvement in the disappearances, calling the allegations baseless.
However, just a day later, President Ruto acknowledged the public’s concerns, promising to end abductions and restore trust in law enforcement. This contradiction has only fueled skepticism about the administration’s stance on the issue.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has been at the forefront of protests, leading demonstrators in Nairobi to demand the release of six missing individuals.
The judiciary has also entered the fray, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the High Court ordering Inspector General Kanja to produce the missing individuals in court.
As accusations and counterclaims dominate headlines, the real question remains: will the government take decisive action to address public concerns, or will political theatrics continue to overshadow calls for justice?
