The buck stops with you, Kalonzo tell president Ruto over rising wave of abductions

Wiper Party leader and Azimio One Kenya Coalition co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has taken a swipe against president William Ruto over rising cases of gangland style abductions targeting online government critics saying the buck stops with the Head of State.

Kalonzo’s sentiments comes exactly three days after president Ruto pledged that his administration will end the menace while speaking in Homa Bay county last Friday.

While addressing the media at the SKM Center in Nairobi, Kalonzo, flanked by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni alongside a host of other leaders, Kalonzo called upon the international community to condemn the escalating human rights violations that has so far seen at least 82 people abducted over the past three months and 29 others missing according to a recent report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)

“Let us not pretend about this. No matter the whitewashing, chest-thumping, or sugar-coating type, the truth is clear…The buck stops with you, William Samoei Ruto.”

Last week, president Ruto commented on the issue saying his administration would do its part to end the abductions and called upon parents to ensure their children use the social media responsibly.

Kalonzothe immediate release of all 82 abductees taken over the past three months.

Kalonzo described the abductions as unlawful and reminiscent of past dark periods that the country had fought to overcome.

“We demand that all 82 youths abducted in the last three months be released and returned to their families immediately.” Kalonzo said.

His call also extended to the 29 missing youths whose whereabouts remain unknown, urging action and accountability.

“We also demand that all 29 missing youths, whose whereabouts are unaccounted for, be accounted for without delay.” He added.

Kalonzo’s remarks come amid growing public outrage over the disappearances, including those of social media users like cartoonist Kibet Bull.

The abductions have triggered widespread concerns, with activists, netizens and civil society groups demanding the release of the abducted individuals.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has been vocal, condemning the surge in enforced disappearances.

In a statement, LSK said: “We express grave concern over the recent rise in abductions, enforced disappearances, and related human rights violations targeting individuals exercising their constitutional rights.”

LSK also urged families of the abducted to report such cases, assuring legal intervention.

“In the face of this troubling trend, the Law Society urges families and close relations of the abducted individuals to come forward with comprehensive and accurate information regarding these incidents.”

Despite mounting pressure, the National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) have denied any involvement in the abductions, insisting they are unaware of the abductees’ whereabouts.