Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has rejected allegations linking the National Police Service to recent reports of abductions and disappearances across Kenya.

In an interview with a local TV station aired on November 21, 2025, Kanja firmly rejected claims that rogue officers might be involved in abductions, stressing that the duties of the police are clearly defined and do not include abduction.

The IG’s statements come amid growing public concern over disappearances, particularly of government critics and activists, prompting calls for independent investigations.

He insisted that abduction is not part of police duties and can never be condoned.

“No, we don’t have, let me say this. This service and every member of this service understands the duties of the police very, very clearly. And in the duties of the police, abduction is not a part of our duty.”

“No, it’s not part of our duty. And if anyone can go in that direction, then believe you me, we will take appropriate actions as guided by the laws,” he said, emphasising that any officer found violating the law would face accountability.

Kanja explained that every missing person report triggers nationwide investigations, noting that a report is made to any police station throughout the Republic that there is a missing person.

“Let me say this. You know when a report is made to any police station throughout the Republic that there is a missing person, for example, investigations commence from that point, and a lot of things happen actually. You know, many people don’t really understand about this investigation when a report of a missing person has been made,” he said.

He outlined the process, adding, “We commence our investigation throughout, and all the stations within the Republic of Kenya are informed about that. The description is given, and any other detail that can be able to assist us in tracing, and many have actually been traced.”

“Others have been found; others have been found to have disappeared and then resurfaced. So many things happen, but of importance here is that for every case reported of a missing person, the police have a duty and obligation to investigate to its logical conclusion.”

Rebutting claims of rogue officers

He emphasised that police responsibilities are clear and guided by the Constitution. “I have said that before. Number one, police officers have a duty and responsibility, and those duties are guided by the laws and by the Constitution.”

“The duties are very, very clear, and part of our responsibility is the protection of the rights and freedoms of the people. And abduction is not part of that. What we are saying is that if anyone is involved in such an activity, it is a criminal act, and appropriate actions must be taken. From where I sit, we cannot allow that to happen. We want the police officers to do the duties that are assigned to them.”

Kanja reiterated that the police remain committed to tracing every reported missing person and urged citizens to report any officer engaged in criminal conduct. “We will not shield anyone who violates the law,” he said, stressing that the protection of citizens’ rights remains the core mandate of the service.