The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed grave concern about the escalating trend of abductions targeting individuals critical of the government. The commission reported that at least 82 people have been abducted since anti-government protests erupted in June 2024, with 29 of them still unaccounted for. These disappearances have raised alarm among human rights groups and led to increasing calls for accountability.
The abductions, according to KNCHR, involve “unidentified armed individuals,” and have primarily targeted people outspoken in their criticism of the government. Most recently, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), an independent government body responsible for overseeing police conduct, launched an investigation into the abduction of social media users who have been vocal against President William Ruto’s administration.
While the IPOA stopped short of directly implicating the police in the abductions, it called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to curb the rising number of disappearances, urging that the trend is deeply concerning and requires urgent attention.
The latest incident involves the disappearance of three men—Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, and Bernard Kavuli—over the weekend, sparking public outrage. Reports from witnesses suggest that Muteti was abducted in broad daylight outside a shop in Uthiru, a suburb in Nairobi, with one of the kidnappers allegedly wearing a police uniform. The police presence, coupled with the mysterious nature of the abductions, has led many to suspect possible involvement or complicity of state security forces in these acts.
As the country grapples with the surge in abductions, civil society organizations and opposition figures have raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Kenya, warning that such actions stifle dissent and instill fear in the public. The government, meanwhile, has faced criticism for failing to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes, despite repeated calls for investigations.
The Kenyan public is now watching closely to see how authorities respond to the growing international and domestic pressure over the abductions. Human rights advocates are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent further violations of rights. The outcome of these investigations could have long-term implications for Kenya’s reputation as a democratic nation and its commitment to protecting the fundamental freedoms of its citizens.
This surge in abductions adds to a growing list of concerns regarding the state of human rights and governance in Kenya, a situation that continues to attract widespread attention both locally and globally.
Image by James Paramecio from Pixabay
