Kenyan President Vows to End Abductions Across the Country

Kenyan President pledges to tackle the issue of abductions, promising decisive action to restore safety and security nationwide.

Kenyan President William Ruto has vowed to put a stop to abductions in response to the recent wave of disappearances, which have drawn criticism from rights groups, lawyers, and politicians.

Security forces in the East African country have been accused of conducting numerous unlawful detentions following youth-led anti-government protests in June and July.

The most recent disappearances have mainly affected young men who criticized Ruto online. Rights groups have rejected the police’s denial of involvement and are demanding action.

Addressing a gathering on Friday in Homa Bay, a town located in western Kenya, Ruto vowed to put an end to the abductions. He also urged parents to “take responsibility” for their children.

According to local media reports, he stated, “We are going to end the abductions so our youth can live in peace.”

In his annual state of the nation speech in November, Ruto addressed the issue by condemning “any excessive or extrajudicial” actions.

However, he also stated that many of the detentions were legitimate arrests targeting “criminals and subversive elements.”

Tensions have escalated in the country, as recent abductions have triggered localized protests in at least one town.

The police have denied any involvement, but activists are questioning why they seemingly aren’t investigating the disappearances.

The Law Society of Kenya stated that if the police are truly not complicit, they should promptly investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch indicated that their research suggested involvement from a unit composed of members from various security agencies.

Ruto’s remarks come in response to recent statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed that a covert group was responsible for the disappearances.

“Taking these children and ending their lives is not a solution… This administration is unprecedented in this country’s history for targeting children with repression,” Gachagua stated.