Kenya's clergy unite to condemn widespread abductions

Religious leaders across Kenya have voiced their outrage over the alarming wave of abductions being reported in different parts of the country.

Drawing from various faiths, the clergy are urging the government and security agencies to take swift action to address the growing insecurity, noting that the Constitution guarantees the right to life and safety for all citizens.

Speaking at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on Wednesday, Archbishop Philip Anyolo highlighted the need for reconciliation and unity.

"We deplore every act that is not human. Kenyans, sometimes we can be very cruel to each other, and I want to say this is a moment to revisit and review our relationship with one another so that we may build a country as one," Anyolo said.

In Mombasa, Archbishop Matthew Kivuva condemned the abductions and called for thorough investigations.

"It is bringing us back many years before independence. This will not help us build confidence in the youth. If someone is known, they should be called, warned, or cautioned," Kivuva said.

In Nairobi, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya described the abductions as "acts of darkness."

He urged the government to release those believed to have been taken.

"We want to call for an immediate stop to the abductions we are seeing. These are not acts of light but acts of darkness. Let us act as agents of light," Sapit stated.

In Nyeri, Archbishop Anthony Muheria appealed for leaders to embrace humility.

"Let us get together to do good and stop competing to do evil. Our nation badly needs truth, love, and care for those who are marginalised and living in miserable situations," Muheria said.

Raila's condemnation

Political leaders have also weighed in on the matter. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the enforced disappearances and called on the government to take the issue seriously.

"The issue of abductions of innocent people is primitive and strange. We cannot live in a country where people disappear without reason and are kept incommunicado. The government must take this seriously and ensure it ends," he said.

Raila also criticised the resurgence of practices reminiscent of past oppressive regimes.

"Gone are the days when they used to arrest you and take you to Nyayo House. But now you are taken to unknown places. It is primitive and unacceptable," he added.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula urged religious leaders to ensure their criticisms of government actions are constructive.

Speaking during a Christmas mass at St. Kizito Catholic Church in Bungoma, Wetang'ula called for unity between the Church and politicians.

"There is no competition between secular leadership and the religious community. We are all serving the same people, and we should work together in harmony," he said.

The abductions have created widespread fear among Kenyans. Recent cases include Peter Muteti, a young man allegedly abducted in Nairobi after posting an AI-generated image critical of President William Ruto.

Another victim, Billy Mwangi, was reportedly taken from a barber shop in Embu County under similar circumstances.

Both incidents have drawn condemnation from human rights groups and the clergy, who demand urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice.