Lawyer and former two-term MP of Imenti Central Gitobu Imanyara has waded into debate on the surging cases of recent abductions targeting youth perceived to be against President William Ruto’s rule.

In a statement on Saturday, December 28, 2024, Imanyara cast aspersions on Ruto’s statement on Friday, December 27, 2024, that he would bring an end to the abductions.

Imanyara, however, blames Ruto for deflecting the debate on parents, noting that the president failed to commit that those involved in the abductions would be pursued and brought to justice.

“I watched and heard the President speaking in Homa Bay after his host Raila Odinga had condemned the ongoing abductions and kidnappings of youthful Kenyans,” Imanyara said.

Blaming parents

“He did not condemn nor order investigation or bringing the perpetrators to justice. This is a grossly inaccessible means of ending the raging debate. In fact, the President appeared to be blaming the parents and society generally for failing in parental responsibilities.”

Imanyara went ahead to call for the resignation of the president, stating that the head of state had failed to protect the constitution and the rule of law.

“He is failing or has failed in his solemn duties of protecting and defending the Constitution. He has subverted the solemn oath of due execution of responsibilities as President and Commander in Chief,” Imanyara stated.

Ruto urges discipline

Adding: “Since Parliament is actively aiding and abetting in this abdication, we the people are now entitled to exercise our sovereign duty and call upon the President to resign.”

While pledging to end the abductions, Ruto also urged parents to raise their children and teach them to be disciplined members of the community.

“I want to urge all parents that our children are a blessing from God and you should take care of them, while as government we do our bit,” Ruto noted.

“Na yale yamesemekana, mambo ya abduction tutakomesha ndio vijana wa Kenya waweze kuishi kwa amani, na vilevile wawe na nidhamu ili tuweze kujenga Kenya Pamoja,” Ruto added. (About all that has been said, we will bring an end to the abductions so that the youth of this country can live in peace. Equally, they must be disciplined so that we can move the country forward together).

The recent spate of abductions in the country has drawn different reactions from various quarters, with security agencies denying any involvement in the matter.