Abel Bitok accused of leading abduction unit denies claims, calls for DCI probe
Bitok, who has denied allegations linking him to an alleged government abduction unit, claims the posts have tarnished his reputation and endangered his safety.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been asked by former police officer Abel Kiprop Bitok to investigate two social media users accused of publishing his personal details and photographs online.
Bitok, who has denied allegations linking him to an alleged government abduction unit, claims the posts have tarnished his reputation and endangered his safety.
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In a formal complaint filed through his lawyers, Ham K. Lagat Advocates, Bitok accused Daniel Onyango (@oduk) and another user identified as @DanChepta of violating the Cyber Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
According to the complaint, the posts falsely claimed that Bitok heads an alleged abduction unit, following remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua had alleged the existence of an abduction squad led by someone named “Abel,” sparking public outrage.
“This cyber harassment has exposed our client to a significant risk of harm considering the public ire this subject of abductions has drawn,” Brian Kipruto, one of Bitok’s lawyers said.
He added that Onyango had published Bitok’s LinkedIn profile on December 27, falsely portraying him as an active fraud investigator at the DCI, a position Bitok resigned from two years ago.
Bitok’s lawyers provided evidence of his resignation, including a letter dated September 23, 2022, in which Bitok informed his superiors of his decision to leave the National Police Service under the “24 Hours Rule.”
The resignation was accepted on September 26, 2022, with a letter from the Inspector-General of Police thanking him for his service.
The legal team has demanded that Onyango and @DanChepta retract their posts, issue public apologies, and desist from making further defamatory statements. They have also warned of legal action should the demands not be met within five days.
“The statements and publications by yourself are false, defamatory, and malicious and have exposed our client to significant harm,” the demand letter reads.
The allegations against Bitok emerged amid heightened public anger over a recent surge in abductions allegedly carried out by state security agents.
Gachagua’s remarks, which suggested knowledge of the squad’s location and leadership, have intensified calls for accountability. He also hinted at revealing more details about the alleged unit, including its leadership connections to senior government officials.
“This unit comprises personnel from several government agencies but is not under police supervision. Abel is a cousin of a very senior government official. We will reveal his second name in a week,” Gachagua said.
The allegations and the escalating public outrage have placed increased pressure on President William Ruto and authorities to address the abduction crisis and ensure justice for the victims.
