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Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has hit out at the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli for what he terms supporting abductions in the country.

Speaking during a funeral ceremony in Khwisero in Kakamega County, Khalwale said that all the governments that the country has had have had their fair share of extra-judicial killings and that a national conversation should be convened to establish the cause of the problem.

“Atwoli, I beg you; you are my senior in age, but in politics, I am your senior. At our age and experience, we are not supposed to sugarcoat something when it is wrong,” Khalwale said.

“There is no human being capable of abducting and killing himself. Therefore, Mzee Atwoli, you are spoiling for the government. Don’t defend that kind of thing.”

Abducting themselves for money

On January 3, 2025, during the burial of the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Atwoli downplayed the surging cases of abduction in the country, stating that he was privy to information that certain individuals were abducting themselves for monetary compensation.

“On abductions, I work with many organizations across the world, some people are abducting themselves so that they can get money from some organizations,” Atwoli said.

At the ceremony, Atwoli’s remarks were quickly rebuffed by Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya who noted that it was appalling for a leader to stand in a public forum and suggest that people were abducting themselves.

“I say this with a very heavy heart. For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate. It is not for these hallowed grounds,” Natembeya said.

Ichung’wah on Natembeya

Natembeya’s remarks would set him on a collision path with President William Ruto’s lieutenants who defended him and castigated the governor for his statements.

“You are an officer; if you know people are being abducted, share the information with the police but do not come here to shout at Atwoli,” Ichung’wah said during the altercation.

“Do not think because you are governor, you will chest thumb here. I have seen you in funerals attacking Wetang’ula. Please respect people and we will respect you back.”

Following a public outcry and protests in the country, five of six Kenyans who had been abducted between December 21-24, 2024, would later be released after spending at least 15 days in the hands of their tormentors.

Police have maintained that they have no involvement in the matter but failed to identify or apprehend perpetrators of the abductions.