CS Muturi: My family has suffered, enforced disappearances must end

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi criticised the government’s silence on the matter, arguing it has eroded public trust in the country’s security agencies.

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, January 12, 2025

Muturi revealed his family’s anguish following the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, in June 2024.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has urged President William Ruto to honour his commitment to safeguarding human rights, warning that enforced disappearances pose a serious threat to national stability.

Speaking to the press on Sunday, Muturi revealed his family’s anguish following the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, in June 2024.

More To Read

He noted that despite being Attorney General at the time and having connections to national intelligence, he has not received any explanation for the incident.

“I have personally suffered as my son was abducted, leaving my family in turmoil,” Muturi said.

Leslie was reportedly kidnapped on a Saturday night in Nairobi’s Lavington area and was later released.

“I’ve not gotten any answers as to why my son was abducted, held incommunicado, and nobody gave any reasons for that abduction,” he added.

Muturi criticised the government’s silence on the matter, arguing it has eroded public trust in the country’s security agencies. He demanded a detailed account of how many young Kenyans have been abducted, how many remain missing, and how many have been released.

He also called for urgent action to arrest those responsible for the abductions of young Kenyans since June 2024.

Human rights organisations have reported over 80 cases of enforced disappearances since June 2024, many of which occurred during anti-government protests.

The latest incidents include the disappearance of five individuals critical of President Ruto’s administration on social media.

They include Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplangat, and cartoonist Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull. However, they have all been released.

While the National Police Service has denied involvement in the abductions, testimonies from victims have implicated security personnel.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja recently snubbed court summons on January 8, further fuelling public outcry over the issue.

Muturi reiterated the need for security agencies to uphold the rule of law and expose those behind the illegal operations.

“The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the government must act decisively to protect its citizens,” he said.