By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has raised alarm over the rising abductions ongoing in the country that are linked to police officers.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expressed its alarm regarding the increasing incidents of abductions involving individuals reportedly perpetrated by members of the National Police Service (NPS).
This concern follows the emergence of abduction reports in both mainstream and social media platforms. Among the victims are Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeruz, Benard Kavuli, and a fourth person whose identity is yet to be disclosed.
The abductions incidents occurred on various dates in December 2024 across Embu, Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
In line with provisions of section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, which obligates the Authority to investigate any complaints related to disciplinary of criminal offences committed by any member of the service, Rapid Response Teams were dispatched to the areas of incidents with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the abductions and whether there was police involvement as generally alleged.
According to IPOA where fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations for prosecution, internal disciplinary action or any appropriate relief, and shall make public the responses received to these recommendations.
“Lastly IPOA notes that it is the responsibility of the NPS to protect all persons in Kenya against illegal denial of their fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution through abductions,” said IPOA.
“The Authority therefore calls upon the Inspector General of Police to take urgent measures to stop this growing and worrying trend of abductions in the country.”
IPOA further said that they remain committed to being independent, impartial and fair in its operations.
The Senator of Busia Okiyah Omtatah who is also a human rights activist said that the ongoing abductions and incommunicado detention of young Kenyans for daring to speak truth to power are both alarming and unacceptable.
“Let it be clear: no government, no matter how ruthless, can silence the revolutionary conscience of a people dedicated to justice and democracy,” said the Senator.
He further said that Kenyans are not cowards, nor will they be silenced by fear. The Senator emphasized that the desire for freedom and justice is greater than any threat, and history proves that the will of the people always triumphs over oppression.