A member of Kenyan President William Ruto’s cabinet has become the first official to address a series of abductions targeting young government critics, revealing that his own son was among the victims.
Justin Muturi, who served as Attorney General under Ruto from October 2022 to July 2024, broke his silence on Sunday about the kidnappings that have sparked widespread outrage across Kenya.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 82 individuals have been abducted by security forces since the eruption of large-scale, youth-led protests in June. Dozens of those taken remain unaccounted for, fueling public anger and demands for accountability.
“There has been a number of abductions and in some cases unexplained deaths since the Gen Z revolts of June last year,” Muturi said in a televised statement.
“I have personally suffered as my son was abducted and disappeared and I was not sure if he was alive or dead,” he added.
Despite holding a position on the National Security Council at the time of his son’s abduction, Justin Muturi revealed that he was unable to obtain any information about his son’s whereabouts.
Muturi stated that his son was eventually released by “unknown forces” and was never formally charged with any offence.
“The government at all levels has not been able to give me any explanation or reasons as to his abduction by hooded armed gangsters,” he said.
Local media reported that Justin Muturi’s son, Leslie, was abducted in June after leaving a bar in central Nairobi. Witnesses told Citizen TV that he was forced into a car but was released the following day.
Muturi, who served as Parliament Speaker from 2013 to 2022 under the previous government, was removed as Attorney General during a cabinet reshuffle following the protests. He now holds the position of Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development.
The wave of abductions has dominated headlines in Kenya, especially after the high-profile kidnapping of six young men last month. Among those targeted, at least two were reportedly taken after posting satirical cartoons or AI-generated images depicting President William Ruto in a coffin.
Five of the six men were released last week without any explanation from authorities, intensifying public criticism. Kenya’s High Court has ordered the country’s police chief to appear for questioning on January 27 regarding these cases, warning of contempt charges if the order is ignored.
President Ruto acknowledged abuses by security forces during a speech on December 27, where he pledged, “we will stop” the abductions. However, he also controversially urged parents to exert greater control over their children.
The abductions have drawn international condemnation, with the United States and British ambassadors—key allies of Kenya—calling for thorough investigations into the incidents and accountability for those responsible.
