Abductions and forced disappearances have continued to cause outrage and anger among different lobby groups with the latest being the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) calling for the resignation of several leaders.
In a statement to the press, KHRC has called for the immediate resignation of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Tiatty MP William Kamket, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa.
The Commission accused the leaders of endorsing abductions which undermines the rule of law and human rights.
They condemned the increasing incidents of enforced disappearances and abductions targeting dissenting voices.
The lobby also expressed alarm over political leaders’ apparent support for such actions, viewing it as a direct threat to democratic principles and civil liberties.
“They have justified the abductions of government critics, in operations that have led to extrajudicial killings. These abductions escalated in 2024, a year that saw parliament breached on June 25 by youth protesting oppressive laws,” they said.
KHRC’s statement comes amid rising cases of reported abductions in Kenya, with rights defenders and opposition leaders blaming the government for a crackdown on critics.
They have reported that 82 youths have been abducted since June, with 29 of them still missing.
KHRC has urged the public to support the #EndAbductionK protests, stating that this is a crucial moment for every citizen in the fight for justice and accountability within the nation.
It emphasised that the consistent use of such tactics to silence opposition undermines Kenya’s democracy and its commitment to human rights.
The lobby pledged to hold government officials accountable for any actions that violate human rights and called for an urgent national dialogue to address the concerns raised by the youth.
It stressed that Kenya’s democratic future depends on upholding human rights and fostering an environment where young people can freely express their views without fear of reprisal.
