US demands accountability in Kenya amid wave of killings, abductions
Despite reassurances from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki about improved security measures, cases of abductions and disappearances continue to increase.
The United States is demanding accountability over extrajudicial killings and the waves of abductions witnessed in Kenya during the youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 between June and August.
In a phone call with President William Ruto on Thursday, November 7, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the need for the Kenyan government to uphold accountability, particularly regarding security forces accused of violently suppressing protests and allegedly linked to recent abductions.
More To Read
- Police obstruction, ODPP inaction frustrate efforts to punish killer cops - IPOA
- Opposition leaders accuse Ruto government of extrajudicial killings and land grabbing, reject IEBC process
- Justin Muturi: Why I remained in Ruto's Cabinet despite my son's abduction
- I won’t be silenced, Ruto dialed the wrong number- Muturi
- 13 police officers, NIS agent charged with murder of two Indians, taxi driver
- Kenya abductions: The powerful legal shields citizens and courts can use – Expert
Blinken stressed that accountability for security forces is crucial to maintain public trust and ensure justice for affected families.
"The Secretary underscored the importance of full accountability for security forces reportedly involved in protest violence and ongoing abductions," Blinken said in a statement.
Despite reassurances from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki about improved security measures, cases of abductions and disappearances continue to increase, with at least 57 reported since the Gen Z protests.
Deepening public anxiety
Only 22 abducted individuals have been found alive, while two have been confirmed dead. Thirty-three people remain missing, deepening public anxiety over safety and transparency.
Responding to accusations of police involvement, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addressed the National Assembly on Thursday, firmly denying claims that police forces were responsible for the abductions.
“The police don’t abduct or kidnap; we only arrest and lawfully detain individuals in designated police stations. We are fully committed to resolving these cases and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.
Human rights organisations, however, have raised alarms about a “climate of fear” and called for greater transparency within Kenya’s security forces. The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) has demanded disciplinary measures against high-ranking officials within the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector General of Police.
The commission’s recent report indicated that 60 individuals lost their lives during the Gen Z protests, with 26 people still unaccounted for. Human rights activists also decried what they describe as "information concealment" by relevant security agencies, raising further concerns about the opaque handling of these cases.
The KNHCR and other advocacy groups have documented 71 abductions since the protests began, sparking public outcry and demands for a government-led investigation.
Families of the missing individuals have been vocal in seeking answers, yet four months after the unrest, the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has not initiated investigations into allegations of law violations by security officers.
Top Stories Today
- 800,000 more Kenyans turn to Fuliza in 2024 as economic pressure bites
- State pays Sh70 million to wildlife conflict victims in Laikipia
- Counties, KPLC clash over fibre revenues and unpaid wayleave charges
- Kenya Power adds 134,630 rural users but sees first revenue dip since 2020
- Mandera leaders visit Banisa to de-escalate tension following killing of six family members
- State pours Sh2.8 billion into affordable housing research
- Interior CS Murkomen allays fears of increased Al-Shabaab attacks
- Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine to seek presidency, chides West over rights
- Financing peacebuilding likely to feature in UN's architecture review this year
- Ruku orders probe into NYS procurement process amid allegations of embezzlement of Sh2bn
- Were's murder case: Why LBDA director Ebel Ochieng is seeking magistrate's recusal
- Government leases four state-owned sugar mills to private firms for 30 years
- Bodyguard, driver were in contact with MP Charles Were’s killers- Police
- Politician Philip Aroko detained for seven days in probe into Were's murder
- Rights group seeks to join suit targeting police officers who conceal identity during operations
- Mwilu had no power to appoint bench in Gachagua impeachment case, court rules
- High Court bars police from investigating extra-judicial killings, abductions
- Were murder case: High Court orders Aroko to be produced on Monday
- Parastatals merger: 3,100 jobs at risk as Treasury plans retirement offers
- Ruto moves to end ‘hakuna dawa’ with Sh10bn boost to KEMSA
