Secret unit behind abductions operates from CBD building - Gachagua
By Amina Wako |
The former deputy president threatened to reveal the identity of the building and the full details of those involved if they did not dismantle the unit.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged the existence of a secretive unit orchestrating the recent wave of abductions in the country.
During a press briefing on Friday, Gachagua asserted that the unit functions independently of the Inspector General of Police, under the leadership of an individual he named only as "Abel," who purportedly has ties to a senior government official.
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“There is a unit that is not under the command of the IG of Police. The unit operates from the 21st floor of a building in Nairobi's city centre, under the leadership of a certain Mr. Abel. Abel is related to a high-ranking government official,"Gachagua said.
The former deputy president threatened to reveal the identity of the building and the full details of those involved if they did not dismantle the unit.
“Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit,” he added.
The alarming claims come amid a spate of abductions, with six youths disappearing in December alone. Among them is prominent cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, known for his controversial social media posts critical of President William Ruto’s administration.
Others are: Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli and Rony Kiplang’at. They were abducted in December. The total number of abductions reported since June now stands at 82.
Gachagua criticised President Ruto’s silence on the issue and questioned the administration’s motives, particularly noting that many of the abducted individuals were vocal opponents of the government.
“Kenyan citizens are frustrated with Ruto’s administration, and killing our children will not quell the anger of the Kenyan people,” he said.
“Abducting young people is not a solution; you must address the cause of discontent. Why do people feel resentment towards this administration?" Gachagua asked, adding that it is unprecedented for an administration since independence to target the youth.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have denied any involvement in the abductions.
In a statement, the IG urged Kenyans to disregard “malicious reports” intended to tarnish the police force's image.
“We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the National Police Service,” Kanja said.
Despite the denials, the unresolved cases have intensified government scrutiny, with families and human rights organisations demanding answers.
On Wednesday, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) announced an investigation into the latest disappearances of social media users who are critical of President William Ruto's government.
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