Rights group demands action as 82 people abducted since June
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Boxing Day released disturbing data indicating that 82 people have been reported abducted in the past six months, with 29 still missing.
A statement signed by the Commission Chairperson Roseline Odede said, “There have been 13 more cases of abductions or enforced disappearances in the recent three months”.
“Seven of the recent abduction cases were reported in the month of December 2024 with six of them still missing, bringing to 29 the total number of persons still missing since June 2024.”
Read: Where are our sons? Two families’ anguish over abducted kin
The Commission released the names of the December victims as Mr Steve Kavingo Mbisi, missing since December 17 after he was grabbed in Machakos County; Mr Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, missing since December 21 after he was grabbed in Embu County; Mr Peter Muteti who was abducted the same day in Nairobi’s Uthiru estate.
Mr Bernard Kavuli has been missing since December 22 after being kidnapped in Nairobi’s Ngong’ estate; Ms Naomi aka @Jabertotoo went missing from Ruaraka estate in Nairobi.
Cartoonist Gideon Kibet aka Kibet Bull was abducted on Christmas Day and is yet to be found alongside his brother Mr Rony Kiplang’at. Both disappeared from Kiambu County.
The rights’ group statement strongly linked the abduction wave to the Gen Z uprising against the Finance Bill 2024, where protestors breached the National Assembly.
The uprising resulted in high-level shockwaves that saw President William Ruto decline to sign the Bill.
Further, the president dissolved his cabinet and reconstituted it to include members of the opposition. The president made peace with Raila Odinga to stabilise his government.
In October, he sponsored a move to impeach his then deputy Rigathi Gachagua and replaced him with Prof Kithure Kindiki.
President Ruto had branded the youthful protestors who breached Parliament as treasonous criminals, vowing to crack down on them with a purpose of apprehending them for the due process.
On Boxing Day, the rights group said it has been monitoring the situation.
“We continue to monitor with concern the worrying pattern of abductions in several parts of our country. The Commission notes that these abductions are perpetuated clandestinely,” the statement reads.
It added that the abductions are executed by unidentified armed persons.
“The Commission further notes that those abducted have been vocal dissidents, particularly on social platforms,” the statement said.
“The Commission strongly condemns these abductions, which fall outside the dictates of the Constitution. Abductions are torture, cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment.”
Abductions “have no place in a democratic state like ours”.
Read: Pressure mounts on President Ruto to act as new abductions reported
The Commission warned that if the patterns of abductions are allowed to continue, “then we shall rapidly be retrogressing back to the dark days of our history when such attacks were primarily to inflict fear on any person critical of the government”.
The rights group reiterated that the freedom and security of a person under Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees all the right not to be deprived of freedom arbitrarily or without just cause, not to be detained without trial, not to be subjected to any form of violence, not to be subjected to torture and not to be treated in a cruel, inhumane or degrading manner.
“The Commission takes note of the statement issued by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on Boxing Day 2024 stating that police officers are not responsible for the abductions. We remind the National Police Service of its role of securing every person in Kenya from such violent acts, particularly noting that these abductions are happening in broad daylight, with some of them being captured on CCTV, but still no arrests are taking place,” the commission hit back.
The Commission said President Ruto’s regime has a role to play in safeguarding the rights and well-being of everyone in Kenya.
It reminded the government about the important space it occupies in the international arena, including the seat at the Human Rights Council, and thus needs to prioritise the promotion and protection of rights of everyone.
“In exercising its mandate to monitor compliance with human rights principles and the rule of law, the Commission called upon security agents to cease the game of musical chairs and act responsibly.
“The government must let Kenyans know who is perpetuating these abductions and protect them from such occurrences, embark on immediate investigations, and arrest those found culpable of perpetrating these heinous violations.”
Read: Resign or tell us where abductees are, Omtatah tells police, DCI bosses
It also demanded the “immediate and unconditional release or presentation to court of any illegally detained persons, including the 29 still missing, if in police custody”.
The rights watchdog said Kenya should ratify and domesticate the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.
“As a member of the Human Rights Council, Kenya must walk the talk and lead from the front,” it said.
The Commission said it would continue to carry out its mandate of independent investigations and to assist survivors and families of the abducted with appropriate remedies, including appearing in court on habeas corpus to seek justice.
“The Commission also calls upon the public to report to us any events of human rights abuses including abductions and enforced disappearances through: SMS 22359; Email complaint@knchr.org; and Toll-Free Line 0800720 627,” it concluded.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.