Secret squad operating from a towering building in Nairobi CBD behind abductions, Gachagua claim

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed of the existence of an amorphous and secretive unit operating outside and independently of the National Police Service (NPS) structures and command is behind the recent wave of abductions in the country targeting government critics.

During a press briefing at his Mathira home today, Gachagua asserted that the unit functions independently of the Inspector General of Police, under the leadership of an individual he named only as “Abel,” who purportedly has ties to a senior government official.

“There is a unit that is not under the command of the IG of Police. The unit operates from the 21st floor of a building in Nairobi’s city centre, under the leadership of a certain Mr. Abel. Abel is related to a high-ranking government official,”Gachagua said.

Also, the former DP threatened to reveal the identity of the building and the full details of those involved if they did not dismantle the unit.

“Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit,” he added.

“President Ruto must take full responsibility and immediately address these egregious violations…To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions [are being] carried out with his knowledge and consent. It is impossible to ignore that the only link among the victims is their criticism of the president and his administration.”

Likewise, he demanded the resignation of security chiefs, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin, and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji, whom he accused of neglecting their duties.

He faulted Kanja and Amin for publicly asserting that they are unaware of the abductions.

The former Deputy President’s remarks come amid a growing outcry over the abduction of individuals who have publicly criticized the government.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua are the latest to call for the immediate and unconditional release of the abductees.

As of Thursday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) capped the number of missing persons over the past three months at twenty-nine, bringing the total number of abductions since June 2024 to eight-tow.

The alarming claims come amid a spate of abductions, with six youths disappearing in December alone. Among them is prominent cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, known for his controversial social media posts critical of President William Ruto’s administration.

Others are: Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli and Rony Kiplang’at. They were abducted in December. The total number of abductions reported since June now stands at 82.

Gachagua criticised President Ruto’s silence on the issue and questioned the administration’s motives, particularly noting that many of the abducted individuals were vocal opponents of the government.

“Kenyan citizens are frustrated with Ruto’s administration, and killing our children will not quell the anger of the Kenyan people,” he said.

“Abducting young people is not a solution; you must address the cause of discontent. Why do people feel resentment towards this administration?” Gachagua posed adding that it is unprecedented for an administration since independence to target the youth.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Amin Mohamed have denied any involvement in the abductions.

In a statement, the IG urged Kenyans to disregard “malicious reports” intended to tarnish the police force’s image.

“We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the National Police Service,” Kanja said.

Despite the denials, the unresolved cases have intensified government scrutiny, with families and human rights organisations demanding answers.

On Wednesday, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) announced an investigation into the latest disappearances of social media users who are critical of President William Ruto’s government.