Waiguru: Security agencies must act on abductions

Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru has challenged security agencies to decisively tackle cases of abductions, saying the continued incidents are making it increasingly difficult for government leaders to defend the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking during a youth empowerment programme at Kamaigua Grounds in Kutus, Kirinyaga County, on Tuesday, Waiguru said President William Ruto had already directed that abductions must stop and urged officers responsible for the country's security to ensure the directive is implemented.

"I want to speak to those responsible for the security sector. Please do your job because you are making our work very difficult. It becomes hard for us to defend the government when this becomes news every day," she said.

The governor said institutions established to investigate misconduct by security officers must also play their part, singling out the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for failing to effectively address complaints arising from the recent demonstrations.

She noted that IPOA was created specifically to investigate allegations of police misconduct, including claims of enforced disappearances, and should be held accountable if it fails to discharge its constitutional mandate.

"IPOA was created to investigate complaints against police officers, including allegations of abductions and abuse of power. If there are cases to be investigated, then the authority must do its work and discharge its constitutional responsibility," she said.

Waiguru maintained that neither she nor the government supported abductions, insisting there could never be any justification for enforced disappearances.

Her remarks come days after six young men who went missing during the June 25 anniversary protests were found alive after allegedly being tortured and dumped in different parts of Nairobi. Human rights organisations said the youths disappeared during the demonstrations before they were later found along Lang'ata Road and near Talanta Stadium and taken to hospital for treatment.

Among those who resurfaced was Mathare-based social justice activist Davis Lichuma, who was found in critical condition outside Kenyatta National Hospital after allegedly being dumped there by unknown people. Rights groups said he bore visible signs of torture and was unable to speak when he was rescued before being transferred to hospital for specialised treatment.

The incidents sparked fresh condemnation from human rights organisations, lawyers and opposition leaders, who renewed calls for thorough investigations and accountability over the alleged abductions, saying the cases had revived fears of enforced disappearances.

Waiguru, however, cautioned against blaming the entire government for the actions of individuals, saying those found culpable should personally face the law once investigations are concluded.

"As a mother, I can never support abductions in any form. If there are individuals breaking the law, then the law should take its course and action should be taken through the proper legal channels," she said.

She also urged Kenyans to allow independent institutions to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without political interference, saying credible investigations were the only way to establish the truth and restore public confidence.

"One person who does wrong should take responsibility. It should not be said that all of us are responsible because of the wrongdoing of one individual. We will continue selling the government's policies calmly and respectfully because we know wananchi will listen to us," she said.