Kenya rights body alarmed by abductions of Ruto critics

Kenyan Government Faces Criticism Over Disappearances of Critics Amid Allegations of Police Involvement

The growing number of enforced disappearances of government critics in Kenya has sparked widespread alarm, with several human rights organizations blaming the police for the abductions. Social media users who publicly criticized President William Ruto's administration are among the latest victims of these disappearances, raising fears over freedom of expression and human rights in the country.

Kenya human rights organizations have blamed the police for the latest disappearances, but the security forces deny those claimsImage: Gerald Anderson/Anadolu/picture allianc

Rising Number of Disappearances Draws Criticism

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in abductions, stating that at least 82 individuals have been kidnapped by “unidentified armed individuals” since anti-government protests began in June. Out of these, 29 remain unaccounted for.

Despite the mounting allegations, the National Police Service (NPS) has denied any involvement. In a statement, the Inspector General's office emphasized, “The National Police Service is deeply concerned with the ongoing allegations that Police Officers are involved in abductions of persons in Kenya.”

Claims of Secret Government Involvement

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached earlier this year after a public fallout with President Ruto over his economic policies, has accused a covert government unit of orchestrating the disappearances.

During a press conference, Gachagua claimed, “Abducting these children and killing them is not a solution… This is the first administration in the history of this country to target children for repression.”

Roots of Resentment and Ongoing Protests

The disappearances come in the wake of significant unrest earlier this year, sparked by the government’s controversial tax hike proposals. The demonstrations, which represented the most significant political crisis since Ruto’s election in 2022, were marked by accusations of police brutality and human rights violations.

Although large-scale protests have since subsided, public anger remains strong due to rising living costs and ongoing reports of government repression.

International and Domestic Calls for Justice

Concerns over the disappearances have reached the international stage. In October, nine European envoys called on President Ruto to address the issue and ensure justice for victims of enforced disappearances.

In November, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a damning report accusing Kenyan security agencies, including military intelligence and an anti-terrorism unit, of orchestrating abductions, torture, and killings of individuals linked to anti-government demonstrations.

Recent Disappearances and Investigations

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) announced an investigation into the recent abductions of prominent social media critics. While the IPOA refrained from directly accusing law enforcement, it urged the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to curb the growing trend.

The latest cases involve three men—Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, and Bernard Kavuli—who disappeared over the weekend, as well as a fourth unnamed individual. Witnesses reported seeing Muteti abducted by men outside a shop in Nairobi’s Uthiru suburb, with one of the abductors allegedly dressed in a police uniform.

Rights Groups Demand Accountability

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have strongly condemned the disappearances, with activists pointing fingers at the police for their alleged involvement. The accusations highlight Kenya's troubling history of enforced disappearances and the need for accountability to protect fundamental freedoms.

A Call for Transparency and Reform

As domestic and international pressure mounts, President Ruto’s administration faces growing scrutiny over its handling of dissent and criticism. The unfolding crisis underscores the urgent need for transparent investigations, justice for victims, and measures to uphold human rights and the rule of law in Kenya.