The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expressed concern over the rising number of abduction cases allegedly involving suspected police officers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 25, IPOA announced that it had initiated investigations into recent incidents where X users were reportedly abducted for sharing offensive AI-generated images of President William Ruto.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is concerned with the rising cases of abductions of various persons allegedly by members of the National Police Service (NPS),” read part of the statement.
“This follows reports of the abductions emerging in mainstream and social media. The victims include Messrs Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, and a fourth yet-to-be-identified individual.”
The abductions, which occurred on different dates in December, were reported in Embu, Kajiado, and Nairobi Counties.
In fulfilling its oversight mandate, IPOA confirmed that it had dispatched Rapid Response Teams to the areas where the missing individuals were last seen to collect evidence and determine whether police officers were involved.
“Rapid Response Teams were sent to the scenes of the incidents with instructions to gather all information relevant to uncovering the circumstances of the abductions and whether there was police involvement, as generally alleged,” the statement continued.
“Where fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations for prosecution, internal disciplinary action, or other appropriate measures. Additionally, the Authority shall make public the responses received to these recommendations.”
The families of Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi have spoken out, alleging that their relatives were abducted by suspected police officers after sharing AI-generated images depicting President William Ruto in a coffin.
Since the matter gained media attention, various politicians and activists have condemned the abductions and demanded the victims’ release, describing the actions as arbitrary.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has been among the most vocal, calling for the immediate release of Billy Mwangi.
“If, in any way, he is produced harmed or dead, we will halt all activities in Embu,” the MP declared on Tuesday.
“We will organize demonstrations and shut down government offices because we cannot accept the disappearance of our young people as the new normal.”
