Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Thursday, December 26, refuted claims linking the National Police Service (NPS) to an escalating wave of abductions across the country.
In a statement, Kanja dismissed allegations implicating police officers in recent disappearances, emphasizing the Service’s constitutional mandate.
“The National Police Service is deeply concerned with the ongoing allegations that police officers are involved in abductions of persons in Kenya. For clarity, the constitutional mandate of the National Police Service is to arrest criminal offenders, not to abduct them,” he stated.
Kanja outlined that Service Standing Orders require all arrests to be recorded in the Occurrence Book, with suspects either arraigned in court or released if procedural thresholds for detention are not met.
He categorically denied any police involvement in the reported cases. “There is no police station in the country holding the reported abductees,” Kanja asserted.
The Inspector General also urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information online. While acknowledging that Kenya upholds freedom of expression, Kanja reminded citizens that this right has limitations.
“Freedom of expression must be exercised with the utmost responsibility. Spreading false, fabricated, or misleading information harms the reputation of the National Police Service and creates unnecessary tension,” he warned.
Kanja encouraged individuals with information about missing persons to report to the nearest police station. He also noted that abduction claims are under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent organizations.
His statement followed reports of social media influencers being abducted, allegedly by individuals believed to be police officers. The disappearances have been linked to posts critical of President William Ruto’s administration.
Among those still missing are Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, and Peter Muteti. Recently, Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull on the X platform, and his brother Rony Kiplagat were also reported missing, sparking widespread public outrage.
The alleged involvement of police in these disappearances has drawn condemnation from politicians, civil society groups, religious leaders, and human rights organizations.
IPOA Investigates
IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan on December 25 confirmed receiving reports of the abductions of five individuals in Kajiado, Nairobi, and Embu.
“In line with Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, which mandates the Authority to investigate complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offenses committed by members of the Service, Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to investigate these incidents,” read an IPOA statement.
Raila Odinga Calls for Action
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined the growing chorus of criticism, urging President William Ruto’s administration to halt enforced disappearances.
“The issue of abductions of innocent Kenyans must end this year. It is an incredibly primitive and strange phenomenon in our country,” Odinga stated during a service at Nyamira Church in Bondo, Siaya County.
Odinga underscored the damage such cases have inflicted on Kenya’s reputation and urged the government to take swift action to prevent further incidents.
