IPOA launches probe into alleged police-linked abductions across the country
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
To this end, IPOA has deployed Rapid Response Teams to the affected areas to collect evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the abductions.
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The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into a series of alleged abductions involving members of the National Police Service (NPS).
The cases, which have sparked public outcry, involve four individuals abducted in December 2024 across Embu, Nairobi, and Kajiado counties.
The victims include Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, and a fourth person whose identity remains unknown.
These incidents were widely reported in mainstream and social media, raising concerns about the involvement of law enforcement officers in the disappearances.
IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan on Wednesday expressed alarm over the trend.
"The Authority is deeply concerned about the rising cases of abductions allegedly linked to the police. It is the duty of the NPS to protect all persons in Kenya against such violations of fundamental rights," he said.
Under Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, the Authority is mandated to investigate complaints regarding disciplinary or criminal misconduct by police officers.
To this end, IPOA has deployed Rapid Response Teams to the affected areas to collect evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the abductions.
"The teams have been instructed to uncover whether there was police involvement, as widely alleged. Where fault is found, we will recommend appropriate measures, including prosecution or internal disciplinary action," he added.
The Authority also highlighted the importance of transparency in its processes, pledging to make public any responses to its recommendations.
In addition, IPOA reiterated its independence and commitment to fairness, urging the Inspector General of Police to take swift action to prevent further cases of abductions.
"This worrying trend must be stopped immediately. The police must act to reassure the public of their safety and uphold their constitutional duty to protect fundamental freedoms," he noted.
The investigation comes at a time of heightened concern over human rights violations, with IPOA calling on citizens to report any suspicious activities.
The reports come amid growing concerns over abductions, including that of 22-year-old social media influencer Peter Muteti. Witnesses say Muteti was dragged into a vehicle by four armed men, one of whom was reportedly in police uniform, around 9 a.m. on December 21, 2024.
According to the witnesses, the men leapt out of a moving vehicle, grabbed Muteti, and sped away.
It is alleged that Muteti's abduction is linked to an offensive photo of President William Ruto that he had posted on social media before later deleting it.
In another case in Embu, Billy Mwangi was reportedly abducted from a barber shop by four masked men travelling in a double-cabin pickup truck.
While witnesses described the assailants, their identities remain unknown, and there is no direct evidence linking them to the police.
Wading into the matter, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for the immediate release of both Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi, condemning the incidents as violations of the law and fundamental rights.
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