The CS noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday, July 9 vowed to take action against individuals reported to be responsible for the wave of abductions during the recent anti-government protests.
In a press statement, the CS noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel.
The abductions targeted individuals prominent on social media platforms such as X, with the victims reportedly subjected to torture and left abandoned in remote areas after interrogation.
Collage of Shad Khalif being abducted by unknown individuals on June 23, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE
“All persons within the territory of Kenya are protected from unlawful or arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances or any other illegal method of confining suspected criminals for purposes of investigations for prosecution or for whatever purpose whatsoever,” Kindiki stated in part.
“The Government reiterates its duty to respect and ensure the protection of all constitutionally guaranteed rights and will not condone any violation whether perpetuated by security personnel or by public or private persons.”
He assured Kenyans that independent constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law.
Regarding the behaviour of impunity, Kindiki stressed the need to avoid a repeat of the same by announcing that the organisers, planners and financiers of the crimes that were committed against the people of Kenya in the pretext of peaceful demonstrations will be prosecuted once the ongoing investigations are completed.
“In the same vein, any infractions or excesses by law enforcement officers will be investigated and appropriate action taken on those found culpable,” he added.
Kindiki’s updates came as he revealed that the process of accountability for serious crimes that resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and breach of the peace is simultaneously underway.
On Wednesday, June 26, President William Ruto allayed concerns of impromptu arrests and abductions, stating that those who were arrested during the anti-Finance Bill protests were detained at police stations.
During a recent engagement with Kenyans on X Space, he promised to take action against police officers who were implicated in the abduction of Kenyans during the protests.
Ruto reiterated that police officers had clear rules on how to undertake their duty of arresting suspects and abduction was not one of them.
A report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released on Monday, July 1 documented 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protestors.
People attend a demonstration against Kenya’s proposed finance bill in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25. /REUTERS