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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at the government over a spate of recent abductions of young people, demanding the release of the detainees.

Gachagua said the abductions had caused agony for families who don’t know the whereabouts of their loved ones.

But he pointed an accusing finger at Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja who he claimed he had failed in his work and he should resign.

Speaking in Maragua during a funeral service for four children who perished in a fire accident, Gachagua said Kanja had failed to curb the abductions of young people and had not been able to produce the abductees as ordered by a court.

He claimed that the abductions are being carried out by people outside the police force, but this being a security matter, the IG should be able to handle it.

“Police in the country have the mandate to protect the people, but what we have been seeing is total violation of human rights which is unacceptable,” Gachagua said.

“If the IG is not able to do his work and also come clean on those behind the abductions, he should resign from that position.”

Rule of law

He said the IG should uphold the rule of the law and ensure all people are protected regardless of their political affiliation, which he claimed was the main reason for the incidents.

Other leaders who attended the service, including Maragua MP Mary Wamaua and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, said the abductions are meant to intimidate the youth who have diverse opinions about the government.

They also called for the immediate release of abductees, calling for an end to the actions.

Wamaua, for her part, said it’s wrong to harass the youth who are only expressing their mind on political issues.