NAIROBI, Kenya — The rising tide of disappearances among government critics has sparked alarm across Kenya, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reporting 82 abductions since anti-government protests erupted following the introduction of the controversial Finance Bill 2024. This distressing trend has intensified recently, with four individuals reportedly abducted over the weekend, adding to the growing list of those missing.
These four were social media users who shared AI-generated images of President William Ruto, images deemed provocative by his supporters. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has voiced serious concerns about the country’s deteriorated human rights situation, warning it mirrors the “dark days” when opposition voices were routinely silenced, particularly during the administration of former President Daniel Moi.
Roselyne Odede, chairperson of the KNCHR, emphasized the need for the National Police Service (NPS) to fulfill its duty of protecting citizens. "We wish to remind the NPS (police) of its role in securing Kenyans from such violent acts, particularly noting these abductions are happening in broad daylight, with some captured on CCTV but still no arrests are taking place," she stated, highlighting the impotence of law enforcement amid these alarming incidents.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now investigating these abductions, many of which victims’ families allege involve police officers. The political atmosphere worsened significantly after protests erupted following the introduction of the Finance Bill on June 18, which aims to increase tax revenue to meet International Monetary Fund targets, provoking widespread public dissatisfaction.
Reports indicate several young individuals were forcibly taken by armed men shortly after publicly criticizing Ruto’s government. Notably, satirist Kibet Bull also vanished following discussions with local politicians. Observers claim these incidents reflect the government's growing intolerance for dissent.
Local media have documented alarming testimonies from witnesses. For example, Peter Muteti was reportedly seized outside his shop by men, one of whom wore police uniform. Witness accounts suggest increasing fear among citizens, with many hesitant to speak out against the government.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, voiced grave accusations against the NPS, alleging their involvement in the abductions. Despite these claims, police have vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The NPS's Inspector General, Douglas Kanja, stated the police are not involved and assured the public of their commitment to maintaining order and safety.
This trend of abductions has prompted concerns from international bodies as well. A group of nine European envoys recently called on Ruto to address the enforced disappearances and to safeguard human rights within the country. Their concerns came in the wake of the repatriation of four Turkish nationals, who had registered as asylum seekers, but were reportedly abducted and deported by the Kenyan government.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who fell out with Ruto amid these protests, condemned the abductions, expressing fear and discontent among the youth. “Abducting these children and killing them is not a solution... This is the first administration... to target children for repression,” Gachagua lamented at a recent press conference.
The public’s discontent reached its peak when demonstrators broke through parliament fences during protests and clashed with police, resulting in casualties. This episode has fueled resentment toward Ruto’s administration, which is already grappling with setbacks due to soaring living costs and perceptions of police brutality.
Human Rights Watch reported on the disturbing conditions facing many abducted individuals, stating they have been subjected to unlawful detention, torture, and even extrajudicial killings. Such allegations paint a perilous picture of the current political climate, where dissent is met with violence rather than dialogue.
With protests diminishing but anti-government sentiments simmering beneath the surface, Kenyans now find themselves at a crossroads. The government faces mounting pressure to address human rights violations and restore public trust. The recent spate of abductions serves not only as a stark reminder of the fragility of civil liberties but also as a clarion call for collective action to preserve democratic ideals.
Rights groups are demanding accountability and urging for the establishment of mechanisms to prevent such human rights violations from recurring. They warn, “Any failure to act sets a dangerous precedent and will embolden the state’s capacity for violence and repression.” The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as Kenyans hold their breath, hoping for accountability and justice in an increasingly perilous environment.
