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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all leaders who spoke against forceful abductions witnessed in the country and drummed up support for the formation of the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the incidents.

In his statement shared via his official X account on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Gachagua expressed his pride in the courageous leaders who spoke out against the injustices.

“On behalf of the Kenyan People, I want to thank the Elected Leaders below for continuing to speak out on the matter of abductions and extra-judicial killings.

“This matter is of great interest to the Kenyan people and the world, and I am proud that some leaders are able to go beyond clear attempts by the state to wish this issue away.”

While claiming that the abductions were state-sanctioned, the former DP called for the release of the remaining abductees and reiterated his support for the formation of the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the abductions.

He argued that the investigations are crucial in ensuring that abductions and extra-judicial killings never happen in the country.

“The abductions and extra-judicial killings that have been happening are clearly state-sanctioned. This call for an open process to investigate them will provide an open and transparent forum for the whole world to see the extent to which this regime is willing to go, to stifle independent voices that are brave enough to correct or criticise them, which is part and parcel of how a democracy works,” the former Mathira MP said.

Adding;

“I therefore strongly associate myself with this call for an Independent Commission of Inquiry on the issue of abductions. We must get to the bottom of these gross human rights violations, identify and prosecute everyone involved in the abductions and extra-judicial killings, and ensure this will never happen again.”

Gachagua additionally highlighted that the Independent Public Commission of Inquiry should investigate the criminal attacks against him and his supporters.

He also said the commission should assess the resurgence of state-sponsored criminal gangs terrorizing citizens such as Mungiki.

In the same breath, Gachagua called for parliamentary action against the abductions and called for a comprehensive review of public safety measures and accountability mechanisms within law enforcement agencies to enhance the protection of citizens.

“We urge both the National Assembly, the Senate and also all County Assemblies across the nation to convene special sessions during recess to discuss and conduct inquiries into these abductions and other pressing matters affecting the country,” he added.

Gachagua’s remarks follow the release of some abductees including Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Gideon Kibet, Bernad Kavuli and Rony Kiplangat who were reportedly abducted after sharing offensive images about President William Ruto.

Their release followed sustained pressure from netizens and a section of leaders who sought their whereabouts.