Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has turned down a request by Nyandarua Senator John Methu for a special Senate sitting to deliberate on the rising cases of abductions in the country.
In a statement, Kingi explained that the request failed to meet the requirements of Standing Order 33(1), which stipulates that such a request must be initiated by either the Majority or Minority Leader and supported by at least 15 Senators.
“I note that the request is anchored on Standing Order 33(1) of the Senate Standing Orders,” Kingi stated.
Senator Methu’s Letter to the Speaker
In a letter dated December 27, 2024, Senator Methu had sought approval for a special Senate session to discuss what he termed as “The End of Forced Abductions and Disappearances of Young Government Critics.”
“This matter has raised deep national concern as it infringes on the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, including the freedom of expression, association, and the right to life and security,” read part of Methu’s letter.
He expressed alarm over admissions by the Kenya Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that they are not responsible for the recent abductions. According to Methu, this raises fears about an organized criminal syndicate operating outside the command of the Inspector General and targeting critics of the current administration.
Methu urged the Senate to act decisively, stating, “Given the urgency and gravity of this matter, I request you to convene this Special Sitting to debate and adopt actionable recommendations to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans.”
The rejection of Methu’s request comes amid calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate a range of pressing issues, including:
- The alarming trend of abductions and forced disappearances.
- Politicization of the police.
- Resurgence of criminal gangs.
- Land grabbing.
- Allegations of state capture.
Gachagua emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We must get to the bottom of these gross human rights violations, identify and prosecute everyone involved in the abductions and extra-judicial killings, and ensure this never happens again.”
He further alleged that the ongoing abductions and killings are state-sanctioned and called for an open, transparent investigation to restore public trust and safeguard democratic rights.
Gachagua’s allies have also urged legislative bodies at the national and county levels to prioritize discussions on these issues during their recess and take actionable steps to address the underlying concerns affecting Kenyan society.
