UK envoy now calls for probe into abductions and killings

UK wants President William Ruto’s government to undertake “swift and transparent” investigations into the recent incidents of abductions.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan said Kenya’s image on the international stage had been dented by the high number of abductions, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

He emphasised that addressing these incidents would demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to human rights as it assumes its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“Swift and transparent investigations into reported abductions will demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to fundamental rights, as it takes up its seat on the UN Human Rights Council,” the envoy said yesterday while hosting the five Kenyans who went missing late last year.

Although senior Kenyan officials have denied State involvement in the abductions, many cases have been attributed to security agencies.

The incidents have also sparked a political blame game, with leaders accusing each other of responsibility.

Immediate sentencing

A faction of President Ruto’s allies has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating the kidnappings to gain sympathy.

Others have suggested that some victims staged their own abductions, claims that have further fueled controversy.

On Wednesday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohammed Amin failed to honour court summons to shed light on the disappearances.

High Court judge Bahati Mwamuye warned that Kanja would face immediate sentencing for contempt of court if he failed to appear on January 27.

Justice Mwamuye added that DCI Amin would also risk sentencing but would first be allowed to mitigate.

Among the released individuals is Gideon Kibet, a silhouette cartoonist whose caricatures of President Ruto gained widespread attention last November.

Kibet was abducted in Nairobi on December 24, 2024, shortly after meeting Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. His family confirmed his safe return on Monday, noting he had travelled back to Nakuru.

Bus ride

On social media platform X, Kibet recounted being abandoned in Vihiga County around 3am, where he sought refuge at a local “disco matanga” before securing a bus ride home.

Four other individuals were also freed on Monday, including college student Billy Mwangi, Kibet’s brother Rony Kiplangat, content creator Bernard Kavuli, and Peter Muteti.

The abductees reported being released in various locations, including Machakos, Kitale, and Nairobi’s city centre, many of them visibly shaken and frail.

One individual who is believed to have been picked by individuals believed to be state agents is still missing.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised alarm over the growing number of enforced disappearances, documenting 82 cases since June 2024, with 29 people still missing.

During a recent funeral in Bungoma County, President Ruto directed the National Police Service to investigate the cases and provide answers to the affected families.  “The National Police Service, being an independent body, is responsible for conducting investigations into these incidents,” he stated.

Human rights organisations have strongly condemned the abductions and demanded accountability from security forces and political leaders.