Questions pile over the armophous squad as IGP Kanja deny police involvement in abductions
Questions have now emerged over possible existence of an amorphous squad on the loose involved in rampant glaring and broad daylight and night gangland style abductions after the National Police Service (NPS) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Douglas Kanja denied involvement of NPS members or any of its facilities.
In quick media dispatch, IGP Kanja termed the allegations as false, fabricated, malicious, and distasteful, adding that they are aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the police service.
“For clarity, the constitutional mandate of the National Police Service is not to abduct, but arrest criminal offenders,” IG Kanja said.
Kanja’s claims comes exactly two days after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority publicly announced commencement of probe against police involvement in the rising abduction cases in the country.
In a press statement issued by IPOA on Tuesday, December 23, 2024, IPOA chair Issack Hassan said the worrying trend should end and those found culpable brought to justice.
“IPOA is concerned with the rising cases of abductions of various persons allegedly by members of the National Police Service (NPS). This is after reports of the abductions emerged in mainstream media and in social media,” Issack stated.
IPOA has also promised to make recommendations for prosecution, internal disciplinary action, or any other appropriate relief, and shall make public the responses received to these recommendations.
Today, the police boss also added that there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees.
“The procedure as per the Service Standing Orders informs that all arrests be recorded in the Occurrence Book for subsequent arraignment in court of law, otherwise, the suspects be released from Police custody if they fail to meet the procedural threshold,” Kanja added.
Kanja reiterated that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent bodies are investigating the claims of abductions.
His remarks follow growing public concern over the rising number of young people reportedly abducted after criticizing President Ruto’s administration.
Critics have blamed unidentified individuals believed to be security operatives.
The operators anducted four individuals—Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Naomi— in Embu, Nairobi, and Kajiado counties over the weekend.
Kibet Bull, a satirist, was the latest victim who went missing after a meeting with Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in Nairobi.
The victims, all active users of the social media platform X, had shared altered AI-generated images of President Ruto.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the abductions, describing them as “primitive and retrogressive.”
Raila’s sentiments echoed calls from other leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, urging the government to end the culture of enforced disappearances.
Kanja, however, warned Kenyans that whereas Kenya is a democratic country that guarantees freedom of expression, “freedom not only comes with certain limitations but should at all times be exercised with utmost responsibility.”
