Opposition leaders hit at IG Kanja over Koimburi's self-abduction remark

Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi after visiting the Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi at Karen hospital in Nairobi. [Collins Oduor, Standard] A section of opposition leaders has expressed concerns about the rising human rights violations and political intolerance observed across the country. Led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders condemned the alleged abduction of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi. "This horrifying incident is not an isolated case. It is part of a disturbing trend where elected leaders and citizens opposing the government are systematically targeted to silence dissent," said Kalonzo. Koimburi was reportedly abducted on Sunday by unknown assailants and later discovered in a tea plantation in Kiambu on Monday. The police have denied any involvement in the abduction, claiming that the MP tricked authorities to evade arrest. But the opposition leaders sharply criticised this assertion, saying it was shameful for people mandated to guarantee safety to all Kenyans can come up with such narratives. "When we hear outrageous claims like 'Mheshimiwa abducted himself,' we must pray for those spreading such narratives, as that kind of thinking is truly evil. Shame on anyone who suggests that a leader like Koimburi would stage his abduction," said Kalonzo. Additionally, the opposition leaders condemned the authorities for using excessive force against citizens in Kakamega and Bungoma. They raised alarms over the disruption of opposition gatherings, destruction of tents, and assaults on citizens by criminals. While stating that the constitution mandates the state to protect its citizens and not to persecute them without exception, Kalonzo criticised telecommunication companies for allegedly collaborating with the state to surveil, trace, and facilitate the abduction of citizens. He urged the international community and other organisations to advocate for an end to 'politically motivated violence, abductions, and extrajudicial killings'. Reiterating the recent remarks made by President William Ruto on international television, Former Attorney General and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi questioned the motive of the abductions. "Our president just a few days ago told the Finnish president that there would be no more abductions and that all abductees had been returned home to reunite with their loved ones. Unfortunately, this latest incident involving Koimburi contradicts that assurance," Muturi pointed out. Muturi criticised the police's claims, saying how could it be that the same people who were hunting Koimburi on Friday were the same ones searching for him on Sunday. "Inspector General Kanja can tell that story to the birds, but not to Kenyans; it doesn't make sense," he said. According to Muturi, the National Assembly should move an adjournment motion this afternoon to discuss the current state of insecurity.

Opposition leaders hit at IG Kanja over Koimburi's self-abduction remark

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Opposition leaders hit at IG Kanja over Koimburi's self-abduction remark

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