Police IG, IPOA given three days to probe abductions and submit report

Police Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have been given three days to fast-track investigations into recent cases of abductions.

The directive, issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, requires both agencies to provide updates or submit investigation files for review by January 1, 2025.

In a statement on Sunday, Ingonga expressed deep concern over reports of suspected abductions, noting at least three such cases in December 2024 involving victims Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, and Bernard Kavuli, all of whom remain missing after being reportedly detained by unidentified individuals under suspicious circumstances.

“I have noted the reports of suspected cases of abductions and forceful disappearance of citizens, appearing in both mainstream and social media, with the greatest concern,” Ingonga said.

He acknowledged the State’s responsibility to safeguard citizens’ rights to life, freedom, and security, as enshrined in Articles 26 and 29 of the Constitution.

“While I have also noted the Press Statements released by IPOA on December 25, 2024, indicating investigations into the various abduction incidents, and the clarification by the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) on  December 26, 2024, on the alleged cases of abductions by the NPS, both institutions separately gave an undertaking to investigate the incidents,” Ingonga said.

“Noting the gravity of the allegations, and the immense public interest that the same has drawn, I have, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, directed both the Inspector General of Police and the IPOA to expedite the investigations touching on reported abductions and alleged forced disappearance of citizens, and forward the resultant files for perusal and action, and/or provide an update on the investigations, within 3 days from the date hereof.”

He stressed the gravity of the allegations and the widespread public concern these cases have generated.

In his directive, Ingonga emphasised the urgency of the matter, requesting both the Inspector General of Police and IPOA to speed up the investigations and provide an update of the completed investigation files within three days from the date of his statement.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to executing its mandate as per the rule of law, with due regard to the public interest, administration of justice, and prevention of abuse of the legal process,” the DPP said.

The directive comes even as Kenyans on social media plan to demonstrate on December 30, 2024, over the increased abduction cases.