Mr President, why? Fresh abductions raise alarm over State repression

Relatives, friends and Human rights advocates pay a visit to Davis Lichuma at the Nairobi Women's Hospital. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

A fresh wave of abductions and enforced disappearances targeting government critics has reignited fears across the country, with some victims resurfacing bearing signs of torture while others remain missing or are living in fear.

The latest incidents have coincided with the second anniversary of the June 2024 Gen Z protests, during which more than 80 people were killed while demonstrating against the Finance Bill 2024. Last Thursday, the government mounted a massive security operation to stop commemorative protests across the country.

Human rights groups allege that the lockdown provided cover for the arrest, torture and disappearance of activists, government critics and protest organisers.

The resurgence of alleged abductions has fuelled claims that shadowy security squads have returned to silence dissent under the guise of maintaining public order.

Human rights organisations claim armed men, believed to be security officers, operated alongside police during the demonstrations despite a court order requiring officers in plain clothes to clearly identify themselves.

Several victims who have since resurfaced claim they were abducted and tortured by men dressed in civilian clothes, reinforcing concerns that clandestine security units accused in the past of carrying out extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances are once again active.

Davis Lichuma undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Women's Hospital. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“We know these people were abducted by the police, and we will not hide the fact that this country has a rogue police service that thinks it is above the law. Kenya is not a police state, and police operations must be conducted within the law,” said Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid while demanding the unconditional release of human rights activist Davis Lichuma, who was later found admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital with serious injuries.

The National Police Service has denied involvement in the alleged abductions.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the service remains committed to professional policing while respecting constitutional rights. “As a service committed to accountability and transparency, we take these claims seriously. We urge anyone with information or specific allegations of enforced disappearance, torture or any other human rights violation to report the matter immediately at the nearest police station,” he said.

Despite the police's denial, pressure continues to mount on the Kenya Kwanza administration, with critics accusing it of presiding over renewed state-sanctioned violence despite commitments made under the 10-point Memorandum of Understanding signed between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The agreement pledged to address, among other issues, police brutality, compensation for victims of past atrocities and respect for constitutional rights. The apparent resurgence of abductions has exposed growing divisions within the broad-based government.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi defended the administration, insisting the memorandum had largely been implemented and dismissing criticism by Siaya Governor James Orengo. “I heard Orengo saying the 10-point agenda has not been implemented. We want to tell him the agreement has been implemented. We are the ones implementing it, not the President,” Atandi said.

Orengo, however, maintains that none of the key issues agreed upon has been addressed. “The core issues facing Kenyans have not been resolved. As we build and strengthen the Linda Mwananchi Movement, I will continue engaging leaders from all communities,” he said.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo also criticised the government, accusing it of normalising abductions to suppress dissent. He faulted members of the broad-based administration for remaining silent despite previously opposing similar human rights abuses. “Many of those now defending the government once participated in demonstrations themselves. These atrocities are illegal, and no democratic government should tolerate them,” he said.

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa also expressed concern over what he described as the return of a dark chapter in Kenya’s history. “Before we talk about compensation, we must first establish the truth about who killed these young people. There must be accountability, justice and an apology to the affected families,” he said during a television interview.

Even as the national government remains largely silent, human rights groups have announced fresh demonstrations today (Tuesday) to demand the release of people believed to have been abducted by suspected state security agents.

Among those whose disappearance has drawn national attention is Michael Oloo.

Speaking during a press briefing in Mathare, Oloo’s wife, Rose Aloo, said her husband disappeared on June 19 after leaving home for a routine haircut at Charina in Umoja.

She said three men identifying themselves as police officers confiscated his mobile phone before forcing him into a black vehicle without registration plates. “Three unknown men who identified themselves as police officers drove away with him in a black vehicle without number plates. I have reported the matter at Buruburu, Muthaiga and Huruma police stations, but none knows where he is,” she said.

Detectives at Buruburu Police Station reportedly established that Oloo’s mobile phone was switched off at around 10.44 am along Kangundo Road shortly after his disappearance.

Mathare activist Irene Nyambera said Oloo was neither an activist nor involved in organising protests. “Mike is an ordinary, law-abiding Kenyan. We demand his immediate release together with Maxi, Zizo and Iva. If they are not released within 24 hours, we shall march to the Ministry of Interior,” she said.

Elsewhere, religious leaders in Kajiado County have appealed for restraint as political tensions continue to rise. Led by Bishop Peter Huja of Global Spring of Life Church and Bishop David Kituku, the clergy urged the government to end abductions, extrajudicial killings and the use of excessive force against young people. “As church leaders, we appeal to the government to stop abductions and the killing of young people who disagree with its policies. Kenya is a democratic country, and democracy must prevail,” Bishop Huja said.