KHRC wants Kindiki, Murkomen to resign over abductions

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has called for the immediate resignation of several leaders for allegedly endorsing abductions in the country.

The leaders include Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.

Others also on the list include the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, MPs William Kamket (Tiaty), Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret) and John Waluke (Sirisia).

"The KHRC demands the immediate resignation of Ichung'wa, Kingi, Kamket, Sudi, Murkomen, Waluke and Kindiki from state offices over the utterances supporting abductions," said the commission.

This comes in the wake of allegations that the leaders have endorsed acts of abduction, a move that KHRC contends undermines the rule of law and human rights principles.

In a statement on Monday, KHRC condemned the increasing incidents of enforced disappearances and abductions targeting dissenting voices. The organization expressed alarm over political leaders' apparent support for such actions, viewing it as a direct threat to democratic principles and civil liberties.

"They have justified the abductions of government critics, in operations that have led to extrajudicial killings. These abductions escalated in 2024, a year that saw parliament breached on June 25 by youth protesting oppressive laws," said KHRC.

KHRC's statement comes amid rising cases of reported abductions in Kenya, with rights defenders and opposition leaders blaming the government for a crackdown on critics.

Worrying numbers

The Commission reported that 82 youths have been abducted since June, with 29 of them still missing. The organization expressed concern over the alarming rise in enforced disappearances and called for urgent action to address the situation.

KHRC stated that the abductions have created fear and insecurity among citizens, undermining the rule of law and democratic principles in the country.

KHRC has urged the public to support the #EndAbductionKE protests, stating that this is a crucial moment for every citizen in the fight for justice and accountability within the nation.

The organisation emphasized that the consistent use of such tactics to silence opposition undermines Kenya's democracy and its commitment to human rights.

The has pledged to hold government officials accountable for any actions that violate human rights and called for an urgent national dialogue to address the concerns raised by the youth.

They stressed that Kenya's democratic future depends on upholding human rights and fostering an environment where young people can freely express their views without fear of reprisal.