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President William Ruto has broken his silence on the recent surge in the cases of abductions targeting the Kenyan youth.

Speaking on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Raila Odinga Stadium Homa Bay (ROSH) during the Odi Genowa Governor’s Cup 2024, in Homa Bay county, Ruto promised that the government will do its part in putting an end to the abductions being reported in the country.

Ruto on parents

However, the head of state said that each parent must take care of their children.

Ruto further stated as the parents play their part, the government will also do its part and ensure that all the abductions are stopped so that the youth can live in peace, as well as have morals so that they can play part in building the nation.

Nataka niulize wazazi, kila mzazi tafadhali, hawa watoto ni baraka kwetu tumepatiwa na Mwenyezi Mungu . Kila mzazi achunge watoto wake. Tuweze kushughulikia watoto wetu, sisi kama serikali tutafanya sehemu yetu. Na yale yamesemekana mambo ya abduction tutakomesha ndio vijana waweze kuishi kwa amani na vile vile wawe na nidhamu na wawe wangwana tuweze kujenga Kenya tukiwa pamoja,” President Ruto said.

Gachagua on abductions

Ruto’s remarks come just hours after his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua called him out over the increasing cases of abductions.

Addressing a press conference at his Mathira home on Friday, December 27, 2024, Gachagua said that there has not been any regime that has abducted its children like that of President Ruto.

Gachagua urged urged President Ruto to take full responsibility and address the abductions.

According to Gachagua, Ruto’s silence on the recent abductions is a clear indication that they are happening under his consent.

He went ahead to state that it is impossible to ignore the fact that the victims are only linked by the criticism against President Ruto and his administration.

“President William Ruto must take full responsibility and immediately address these outrageous violations. To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his knowledge and consent,” Gachagua said.

“It is impossible to ignore the fact that the only link between the victims is their criticism of the president and his administration,” he added.

Gachagua further argued that the government is trying to send a message to its critics through abductions.

“If you speak out against the government you will be picked up by the now famous Subaru Boys and disappeared. The purpose of this message is to intimidate the young men and women of our nation and discourage them from ever speaking out again the way they did when they were in disagreement with the Finance Bill, 2024.

“Unfortunately, this government’s strategy of trying to scare Kenyans into silence while they go ahead & lie, loot and destroy our nation cannot and will not hold,” Gachagua affirmed.