Police deny responsibility for release of abducted individuals
The police denied responsibility for the release of Bernard Kavuli, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Rony Kiplagat and instead claimed that officers were collaborating with the victims to nail the perpetrators.
Following the release of four individuals who were abducted in December 2024, the National Police Service (NPS) on Monday issued an update on the cases of abduction in the country that have been a nationwide source of concern.
In a statement from the Office of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the service denied responsibility for the release of Bernard Kavuli, Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Rony Kiplagat and instead claimed that officers were collaborating with the victims to nail the perpetrators.
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"Bernard Kavuli Musyimi who was reported missing at Ngong' Police Station presented himself at Moi's Bridge Police Station today and is assisting the investigators with further information," read part of the statement from Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango
The statement further weighed on developments concerning Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Rony Kiplagat, who were also reunited with their families Monday after being reported missing at Embu Police Station, Kabete Police Station, and Thogoto Police Post respectively.
"We wish to assure the public that our officers will reach out to them and their families and give them all the necessary support as we seek further information to assist ongoing investigations," noted the statement.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji says Billy Mwangi, who was released after abduction, is deeply traumatised, adding that during his time in captivity, he was whipped and locked in a dark room. pic.twitter.com/8KX1pa5Cvp
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) January 6, 2025
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According to Onyango, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently handling all cases of missing persons with many of such cases either pending in court or under active investigation.
"We wish to appeal to members of the public to collaborate with us, by providing any information that may aid in investigations or tracing their whereabouts. All information is helpful and can be reported to the nearest police station or through our contacts," she said in the statement.
The rampant cases of abduction that allegedly began during the anti-government protests in June 2024 have elicited sharp criticism from civil society groups and opposition leaders with some like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua calling for the resignation of Kanja over neglect of duties.
