The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling abduction cases across the country amid growing public and governmental pressure. This comes in the wake of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi’s appeal for immediate action following the abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi, in June 2024.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Muturi expressed his frustration, recounting the ordeal that has left his family in distress. Leslie was abducted in Nairobi’s Lavington area before eventually being released, but the incident has underscored the broader issue of rising abductions in Kenya.
“I have personally suffered as my son was abducted, leaving my family in turmoil,” Muturi stated, criticizing the lack of transparency surrounding the case despite his past role as Attorney General with access to intelligence networks. “I’ve not received any answers as to why my son was abducted, held incommunicado, and no reasons were given for the ordeal,” he added.
Muturi further criticized the government’s silence, saying it has eroded public trust in the country’s security agencies. He called on security organs to disclose the total number of abductions, the number of victims released, and those still missing.
Human rights organizations report over 80 abduction cases since June 2024, with many victims allegedly being government critics. Recently, five individuals, including cartoonist Gideon Kibet (alias Kibet Bull), disappeared after posting online criticisms of the government.
While the National Police Service has denied involvement, some victims claim their kidnappers were servicemen. Concerns about state involvement deepened when Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other security chiefs failed to attend a January 8 court session on abduction cases.
In a statement, the DCI assured the public that many cases are under investigation, including Leslie Muturi’s. The agency urged CS Muturi and others with relevant information to cooperate, emphasizing that ongoing investigations are being prioritized.
“The alleged case of abduction involving CS Muturi’s son is active before DCI Kilimani. We invite CS Muturi and any other person with information to record a statement,” the DCI stated, adding that several cases are nearing completion and will soon be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
