LSK to police boss Kanja: Resign if you can't address rising abductions
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
LSK President Faith Odhiambo has criticised the police leadership for failing to fulfil its constitutional mandate to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja if he cannot decisively address the recent wave of abductions and enforced disappearances in the country.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo has criticised the police leadership for failing to fulfil its constitutional mandate to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans.
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"If the holder of this office is incapable of fulfilling their mandate, it would be in the best interest of the nation for him to either rise to the occasion or tender his resignation forthwith. Anything less would amount to a betrayal of public trust and a dereliction of constitutional obligations," Odhiambo said on Friday.
The statement comes amid reports of increasing abductions and detentions, with social media users like Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli among those allegedly targeted.
Gabriel Supeet has also reportedly been detained at Ntulele Police Station.
Documenting disappearances
Going further, LSK has urged families and close relations of abducted individuals to provide accurate and comprehensive information about these cases.
According to the society, such data will be crucial in documenting the circumstances surrounding the disappearances, initiating legal action where rights have been violated, and facilitating advocacy at both national and international levels to hold perpetrators accountable.
The society also demanded that the government disclose the locations of missing individuals and either release them or present them before a court of law as required under Article 49 of the Constitution.
LSK also criticised the police spokesperson's denial of involvement.
"It is insufficient for the Inspector-General to merely deny police involvement in these abductions without explicitly outlining the steps being taken to address these egregious violations," Odhiambo said.
LSK called on the police to take visible and actionable steps to reassure the public, including investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators, collaborating with other security agencies to prevent further incidents, and restoring trust by adhering to constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
"The Constitution of Kenya guarantees the rights, freedoms, and dignity of all individuals. We call upon the Inspector-General to fulfil his constitutional duties or make way for leadership that can," Odhiambo concluded.
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