IPOA disputes Ruto’s claim on abductions, says investigations still ongoing

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) says Kenya is still grappling with unresolved cases of abductions, refuting President William Ruto’s recent remarks that all missing persons have returned home.

The Authority told Members of Parliament on Wednesday that investigations into these cases are ongoing and that the perpetrators have not yet been identified.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan said the Authority has not concluded who is behind the abductions.

“As to who is abducting Kenyans, we are still investigating,” Issack told the committee.

He explained that progress has been hindered by victims’ unwillingness to come forward with testimonies, which are crucial to moving the investigations forward.

“The challenge has been that the victims are not coming to us to give evidence,” he said.

Issack suggested that a public inquiry may be necessary to handle the matter in a structured manner and provide an open forum for victims and witnesses to share their experiences.

“The IG said the Police have not abducted anyone, but we may need to open a public inquiry into this matter,” he added.

His remarks came just two days after President Ruto claimed that all those who had previously disappeared had safely returned to their homes.

“All those who had disappeared or were abducted have been brought back to their homes. I have given clarity that nothing of that nature will happen again,” the President said on Monday during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Uproar

Ruto’s claims caused uproar among Kenyans and leaders, with former Chief Justice David Maraga and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua reacting angrily to what they termed a nonchalant admission of abductions in the country. The two demanded thorough investigations and prosecution of those responsible, urging the government to uphold the Constitution.

Maraga and Karua criticised the President for making light of what they said were painful experiences for victims and their families. Most of the abductions, they noted, took place last year and remain unresolved.

Maraga particularly condemned the President’s assertion that abductions had ended without any form of redress or apology to affected families.

He cited the case of Brian Odhiambo, who disappeared while in the custody of Kenya Wildlife Service officers, a case that is yet to be concluded.

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“It is unconscionable to hear the President claim, without any apology to the victims, parents, and families, that there are no ongoing incidents of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings and that accountability mechanisms are in effect,” Maraga said.

Last Month, IPOA announced that it had concluded investigations into the deaths of 22 people during the 2024 anti-government protests. The cases have since been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and possible prosecution.

IPOA’s ongoing inquiries come amid growing public concern about enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and the transparency of security operations allegedly conducted by state agents.