The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has expressed concerns over recent reports of abductions, calling for immediate investigations into the incidents.
In a statement on Sunday night, December 29, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga noted that at least five cases of suspected abductions occurred in December alone.
"It is apparent from the reports that there have been at least five (5) such suspected cases of abduction in December 2024 alone, with the victims said to be Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet aka Kibet Bull, and his brother Ronny Kiplagat, each of whom is yet to be traced after having been picked up by unidentified people in questionable circumstances," he said.
As a result, the DPP directed the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations and submit reports for review and potential action within three days.
"I have also noted the Press Statements released by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on 25th December 2024, indicating investigations into the various abduction incidents, and the clarification by the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) on 26th December 2024 on the alleged cases of abductions by the NPS, in which both institutions separately gave an undertaking to investigate the incidents, noting the gravity of the allegations, and the immense public interest that the same has drawn.
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"I have, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, directed both the Inspector General of Police and the IPOA to expedite the investigations touching on reported cases of abductions and alleged forced disappearance of citizens, and forward the resultant files for perusal and action, and/or provide an update on the investigations, within three (3) days from the date hereof," he added.
The statement came hours after Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi raised concerns over the silence of key government officials regarding the escalating cases of abductions in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, the lawyer questioned why senior figures in President William Ruto’s administration, including Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney General, and DPP have not addressed the matter publicly.
"Cabinet Secretaries and other officials in President Ruto's Cabinet don't talk? Or are they not allowed to talk about national issues? Or do people wait for salaries and deals? For instance, on this issue of kidnappings and abductions of innocent Kenyans or individuals who at worst commit misdemeanor offenses, the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecution, and the National Commission on Human Rights are silent for reasons I don't understand.
"I think Kenyans have a right to hear from the offices of the AG or DPP on the spate of abductions gripping the country," he said.
