What about us? - Kenyans slam Ruto for mourning abroad while abductions rise at home

President William Ruto has faced widespread backlash from Kenyans for sending condolences to South Korea following a devastating plane crash while allegedly ignoring the surge of abductions and enforced disappearances in the country.

On Sunday, Ruto took to his X account expressing grief over the crash involving Jeju Air, which claimed more than 170 lives.

“We are devastated by the Jeju Air accident that has claimed more than 170 lives. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and the people of South Korea at this sorrowful time,” the president wrote.

We are devastated by the Jeju Air accident that has claimed more than 170 lives.

Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and the people of South Korea at this sorrowful time.

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 29, 2024

However, the post sparked immediate criticism from Kenyans on the platform, who questioned the president’s priorities.

Many accused him of failing to address domestic concerns, particularly the wave of abductions that has gripped the nation in recent months.

Jackson Tochi, an X user, commented, “A wound that does not heal in time will bleed again. We stand with you in grief, Mr President. Just as we mourn the loss of those in the Jeju Air accident, hapa home pia, our hearts also ache for our missing and abducted fellow citizens. May we never lose hope in the pursuit of justice and the safe return of our loved ones.”

Another user, Chepkindet, added, “Our thoughts are with the families of the abducted Kenyans.”

“Do you have thoughts of those innocent citizens abducted and killed in your country?” posed Kwach B.

Others criticised the president for what they saw as misplaced priorities.

Lee Wanjiku said, “I guess the current Kenya government is the international overseer of foreign affairs because they are only concerned with foreigners’ issues and never addressing the local problems.”

Amid growing outrage, President Ruto has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending the abduction crisis.

Speaking on Friday, he called on parents and the youth to embrace responsibility and discipline.

“I will end abduction. This is because we want the youths to live in harmony and be responsible, disciplined, and patriotic,” he said.

“I’m asking the youths of Kenya because we want to walk together. I’m telling each and every parent: please be responsible and take care of your children. Our children are gifts. Please do your part, and as a government, we shall also do our bit.”

The abduction crisis has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters, including opposition leader Raila Odinga and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who have called for urgent action.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 82 abduction cases since June 2024, with 13 occurring in the last three months.

Among the six people reported missing in December are Steve Kavingo Mbisi from Machakos, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi from Embu, and Peter Muteti from Nairobi.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also condemned the government’s inaction. LSK President Faith Odhiambo demanded the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police if he failed1 to address the issue effectively.

“If the holder of this office is incapable of fulfilling their mandate, it would be in the best interest of the nation for him to either rise to the occasion or tender his resignation forthwith. Anything less would amount to a betrayal of public trust and a dereliction of constitutional obligations,” she said.

In response, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja denied any police involvement in the disappearances.

“Ours is to arrest, not abduct,” he said, urging the public to differentiate between lawful arrests and illegal activities.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the cases. IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan expressed alarm over the rising number of incidents, promising to ensure accountability.