The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticized the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, for his response to the recent spate of alleged abductions across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, December 26, LSK President Faith Odhiambo called out the IG, terming his denial of police involvement in the abductions insufficient without a clear plan to address the violations.
“The Inspector-General appears to lack awareness of his mandate under the law or the ability to discharge it effectively. This is a grave abdication of duty that cannot be countenanced in a constitutional democracy,” Odhiambo stated.
She further urged Kanja to either take decisive action to restore security and public trust or consider resigning from his position.
“The office of the Inspector-General is entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. If the holder of this office is incapable of fulfilling that mandate, it would be in the best interest of the nation for him to rise to the occasion or tender his resignation forthwith,” she added.
Kanja Denies Police Involvement in Abductions
In response, IG Kanja refuted allegations that the police were complicit in the reported disappearances. He maintained that no police station in the country was holding any of the missing individuals.
“For avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees,” Kanja said in a statement.
LSK Demands Accountability and Action
The LSK insisted that if the police were not involved, they must actively investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice. Odhiambo emphasized that the police need to reassure Kenyans by taking visible steps to protect citizens and collaborating with other security agencies to restore trust.
“Failure to act decisively risks emboldening perpetrators and fostering a culture of impunity, which directly undermines human rights, constitutionalism, and the rule of law,” Odhiambo remarked.
The society also called for a national dialogue on enforced disappearances and a comprehensive strategy to address these violations.
Human Rights Commission Releases Data on Abductions
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) disclosed that since June 2024, 82 individuals have been abducted, with 29 still missing.
In the last three months, 13 cases were reported, with December alone accounting for seven abductions. Of these, only one person has been traced.
The six individuals still missing, reportedly abducted between December 17 and 25, are:
- Steve Mbisi (Machakos)
- Billy Mwangi (Embu)
- Peter Muteti (Nairobi)
- Bernard Kavuli (Nairobi)
- Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull (Nairobi)
- Rony Kiplang’at (Kiambu)
The commission has expressed concern over the trend and called for immediate measures to combat the violations
