Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that any police officers or citizens found responsible for abductions during the recent protests will face prosecution. Speaking on Tuesday, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding constitutionally guaranteed rights and underscored that any violations will not be tolerated.
Kindiki reiterated the government’s duty to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, instructing state agencies to investigate the alleged abductions and enforced disappearances. “The government has noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel,” Kindiki stated. “Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law.”
The Interior CS emphasized that all individuals within Kenya’s territory are protected from unlawful arrests, abductions, and enforced disappearances. He also condemned any illegal methods used to confine suspected criminals for investigations or any other reason.
Kindiki issued a stern warning to those organizing and financing criminal activities during the protests, stating they will also be prosecuted once investigations are completed.
During the protests, numerous individuals suspected of involvement were arbitrarily arrested and detained for days, with their whereabouts remaining unknown. Some were later found in different locations after being interrogated by alleged police officers.
Last week, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leadership submitted a report on at least 39 missing persons from the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. LSK President Faith Odhiambo led the formal report to the Director of Criminal Investigation, requesting an investigation into the series of alleged abductions.