Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for swift action against the rising cases of abductions targeting young Kenyans. Speaking to the press on Sunday, Muturi described the abductions as a deeply concerning trend that requires urgent intervention.
Muturi’s call comes months after his son, Leslie Muturi, was abducted in June 2024 in Nairobi’s Lavington area. Leslie was later released, but the experience left the family in distress. “As a father, I’ve personally suffered the agony of my son being kidnapped, plunging my family into emotional turmoil,” Muturi stated.
The CS expressed frustration over the lack of answers, despite his position as Attorney General at the time and access to national intelligence. “To date, I’ve received no explanation as to why my son was taken or who orchestrated the abduction. This silence erodes public trust in our security agencies,” he lamented.
Human rights groups have reported over 80 abductions since June 2025, many occurring during anti-government protests. The latest cases involve five individuals Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplangat, and cartoonist Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull who disappeared after criticizing President William Ruto’s administration online.
The National Police Service (NPS) denied involvement in the abductions, but victim testimonies suggest the abductors were affiliated with law enforcement.
Muturi has urged the government to provide transparency on the number of individuals abducted, those released, and those still missing. “We need clear accountability from our security organs,” he emphasized.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have come under scrutiny for failing to appear in court on January 8 to address the matter.
The abductions, coupled with government silence, have raised concerns about the state’s role in suppressing dissent. Muturi’s appeal amplifies growing demands for accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
