Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has sparked controversy following his recent remarks on abductions in Kenya. Speaking at the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother, Atwoli claimed that some individuals in the country are “abducting themselves” in a bid to secure funding from various organizations. His comments, made in the presence of high-profile leaders such as President William Ruto and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, have elicited mixed reactions from both political leaders and the public.
According to Atwoli, his extensive networks, which span across national and international borders, have made him aware of such cases. “Some people are abducting themselves so that they can get money from some organizations,” he said, adding that this phenomenon is being exploited for financial gain. The statement came at a time when the country is grappling with a series of high-profile abductions, with families and communities demanding answers regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Atwoli also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of respect and responsible use of social media, calling for parents to instill these values in their children. He urged Kenyans to avoid infringing on the rights of others, highlighting the importance of respecting the office of the President.
However, his remarks were quickly met with dissent from several political figures, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who strongly disagreed with Atwoli’s characterization of the abduction crisis. Natembeya expressed disappointment, saying, “For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate.” He emphasized that the loss of children to abductions and killings is a serious issue that should not be trivialized, especially at such a solemn event.
Atwoli’s comments come amid ongoing public outcry over the increasing number of disappearances across Kenya. Many citizens and human rights groups continue to call on the government to take decisive action to address the growing fear of abductions and ensure the safety of all Kenyans. The controversy surrounding Atwoli’s statement highlights the deepening divisions over the issue, with some questioning the government’s response to the crisis.
