Kenyan President William Ruto has vowed to put an end to abductions amid a recent surge of disappearances that have drawn criticism from human rights organisations, attorneys, and politicians.
Following youth-led anti-government protests in June and July, security forces in the East African country have been accused of conducting numerous unlawful detentions. While police have denied any involvement, activists have raised concerns about the lack of investigations into these disappearances.
The recent cases of disappearance have mainly involved young men who have criticised Ruto on social media, leading rights groups to reject police claims of non-involvement and demand action.
During a speech in Homa Bay, a town in western Kenya, Ruto assured the audience that abductions would be halted and urged parents to “take responsibility” for their children.
“We will stop the abductions so that our youth can live in peace,” according to reports from local media.
In November, Ruto had previously discussed the issue in his annual State of the Nation address, denouncing any “excessive or extrajudicial” actions. However, he also indicated that many detentions were lawful arrests of “criminals and subversive elements.”
Public outrage has intensified in the nation, with recent abductions prompting small protests in at least one location. The Law Society of Kenya said that if the police are not complicit, they must promptly “investigate and prosecute those responsible.”
Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch stated that its findings suggested a unit formed from various security agencies was involved.
Ruto’s statements followed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who suggested that a covert unit was responsible for the disappearances.
