Sirisia MP John Waluke has dismissed reports of abductions in the country, describing them as baseless propaganda.
Speaking in Kabuchai, Bungoma County, on Friday, January 3, Waluke denied the existence of any abductions, accusing detractors of using the issue to discredit the government and tarnish President William Ruto’s name.
“There is nothing like abductions. This is propaganda aimed at tarnishing the name of the government, our country, and your name as the President," the MP said.
Additionally, Waluke offered advice to Ruto, urging him to adopt a more pragmatic approach in running the government.
“Running a country is not something easy. We know you believe in God, but sometimes you have to put the Bible down and run the country as it is supposed to be run," he added.
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This comes about three days after another MP, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, claimed that some Kenyans were faking abductions by hiding in Airbnbs with their lovers.
Speaking on December 31, 2024, in Narok County, the Kikuyu MP stated that the government had no business in abducting individuals based on their social media posts.
"The government of Kenya has no business abducting anybody on the basis of what they say on social media. There is a law. If you contravene the law, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, you can be arrested and charged. Nobody needs to abduct you.
"I’m seeing some people go and lock themselves in Airbnbs with their girlfriends for three days and say they have been abducted,” he claimed.
Despite the claims by the legislators, the country has been witnessing and experiencing widespread abductions.
In December 2024, Kenya experienced a series of alarming abductions targeting young government critics, notably including cartoonist Gideon Kibet, known as 'Kibet Bull.'
Prior to his disappearance, Kibet had visited the office of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in Nairobi to discuss political matters.
In addition to Kibet, several other young Kenyans have been reported missing under similar circumstances.
They include Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Rony Kiplangat and Steve Kavingo.
Among the missing are individuals who shared AI-generated images of Ruto deemed offensive by government supporters.
Ruto has publicly stated that the government does not condone or engage in extrajudicial killings or abductions and has promised to halt these incidents to ensure the safety of young people.
“I want to tell parents; these children are a blessing to us. Every parent should take care of their children. As a government, we will do our part and end the abductions so that the young people of Kenya can live in peace and be disciplined,” he said.
