In a response to the mounting allegations and public outcry over the rising cases of abductions in Kenya, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has firmly denied any police involvement. The statement comes at a time when several critics of President William Ruto have reportedly gone missing under suspicious circumstances.
Kanja’s remarks aim to address the swirling accusations that the National Police Service (NPS) is orchestrating or at least facilitating these disappearances. He emphasized that “the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees.” His denial comes amid widespread skepticism from both the public and political figures who have voiced their concerns over these incidents.
The controversy has been fueled by the disappearance of several individuals, including journalists, bloggers, and activists known for their vocal criticism of the government. Among the latest cases, cartoonist Gideon Kibet and others like Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli have vanished, with social media posts and eyewitness accounts pointing towards possible abductions.
Despite Kanja’s assurances, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated investigations into these allegations, signaling that not all are convinced of the police’s non-involvement. IPOA’s involvement adds another layer to the already complex situation, as it seeks to uphold police accountability in what has become a contentious issue.
Public sentiment shows a mix of disbelief and demand for transparency. Some users have directly questioned the credibility of Kanja’s statement, while others call for immediate action to locate the missing individuals and to hold the perpetrators accountable, whether they are within or outside the police force.
Political figures have also weighed in. Opposition leaders like Martha Karua have accused the government of orchestrating these abductions through unauthorized units, a claim vehemently denied by Kanja. The situation has escalated political tensions, with calls from various quarters for the government to provide clear evidence of its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of civil liberties.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented 82 cases of abductions or enforced disappearances since June 2024, with 29 individuals still unaccounted for. This statistic has been a focal point in the debate, highlighting what many see as a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
In the wake of these developments, there is an urgent call for an independent investigation to ascertain the truth behind these troubling events. The public’s trust in law enforcement is at stake, and only a thorough, transparent investigation can hope to restore it.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the actions taken by both the police and independent bodies like IPOA and KNCHR to ensure justice, transparency, and the safety of Kenyan citizens, particularly those who exercise their right to free speech.
