Kenya’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship candidate Raila Odinga has called for an end to abductions.

Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025, during the interdenominational prayer service that was organized for him by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Women’s Chapter ahead of the AUC polls scheduled for Saturday, February 15, Raila called for relevant security agencies to act immediately.

Raila went ahead to question about the people behind the abductions whom the police have denied knowing them.

Raila calls out police

The former Prime Minister further hit out at the police for failing to investigate and bring the abductors to book.

“Mambo maovu ambayo inafanyika hapa tumepinga. Mimi mnajua siezi kuona maovu na nikae kimya. Mambo ya kushika vijana na kwenda na kuwazuia na kuwaua mpaka ikwishe katika taifa letu. Hatuezi kuvumilia kamwe watu wanatekwa nyara ovyo ovyo. Hawa watu ambao wanateka watu nyara ni watu gani ambao askari wanasema hawajui. Kama serikali haijui, ni haja gani kuwa na polisi. Tumesema mambo ya abductions ikwishe katika taifa letu. Shetani ashindwe,” Raila said.

This is not the first time Raila is hitting out at the police over the new wave of abductions.

In December 2024, Raila called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for failure to deal with the increasing cases of abductions in the country.

The former prime minister also warned that this disturbing trend could ignite public protests, especially among the younger generation and demanded that the IG immediately tell Kenyans who was behind the abductions or admit that he is overwhelmed and resign from his position.

He further revealed that the manner in which the abductions were executed -the use of fake vehicle number plates and handcuffs –was so distinctive, implying it was the work of the security agencies.

“The abductions are denting the good image of the police service. The abductors use handcuffs; where do they get them from? And IGP is telling us he is not aware of such actions.  Is he true to himself or out of touch with reality?” Raila posed.

Raila on AUC bid

Raila has further expressed confidence ahead of the AUC elections.

He has urged his supporters to remain calm, stating that they would still have made it whether he loses or wins the AUC Chairmanship bid to his rivals.

The first phase of the AUC polls is scheduled for February 12-13, 2025, while the second phase will be between February 15-16, 2025.

In the first phase, the AU Executive Council, comprising foreign ministers from member states, will elect and appoint the commissioners who will oversee various portfolios within the AU Commission.