‘I am outraged and heartbroken’ – Cate Waruguru adds voice over spate of abductions

Former Women Representative for Laikipia County Cate Waruguru on Saturday, December 28, 2024, voiced concern over the cases of abductions in the country.

In a statement, Waruguru stated that she was concerned about the sudden rise of enforced disappearance with police absolving themselves from the issue.

The vocal former lawmaker noted that she was enraged and heartbroken, insisting that no parent should deal with the pain of missing their kids.

She wondered who had ordered the abductions after the National Police Service (NPS) denied their involvement in the matter.

“Like millions of you across the country, I am outraged and heartbroken over the increasing cases of abductions and arbitrary arrests in various parts of the country.

“This unconscionable act is being committed in the full glare of our security services -who have since distanced themselves from these acts. But are we to believe that our security services are unaware of these abductions? That these abductions aren’t state-sanctioned?” Waruguru posed.

Ruto vows to intervene

Her sentiments come a day after President William Ruto vowed to intervene and end the spate of abductions in the country. The Head of State made the pronouncement in Homa Bay County where he attended a football tournament organised by Governor Gladys Wanga.

While vowing to take action, Ruto challenged parents to actively mould their children’s character.

Ruto’s comments, however, stopped short of acknowledging any government involvement or responsibility in the abductions.

“I call upon all parents to take care of their children,” he said.

“As for the reports about abductions, we will bring them to a stop. We want to ensure that the Kenyan youth stay in peace and with discipline so that we can build the nation together,” Ruto announced.

So far, satirist Kibet Bull, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti and Bernard Kavuli are among those who have been reported missing but the police service distanced themselves from the cases.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had earlier threatened to expose a unit which he claimed was responsible for the abductions. While slamming his former boss, he made it clear that ending abductions was one of their campaign pledges.

“The question the President must address is – why has everybody turned against you and the administration in only two years? That is what you need to interrogate instead of persecuting these children,” he said. 

At the same time, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also asked Ruto to stop the abductions which he maintained were dragging the gains of the constitution behind.