Kenya School of Law President Joshua Okayo has forcefully dismissed President William Ruto’s recent denial of police abductions that occurred during and after the anti-government protests. Ruto’s comments, made during a town hall session in Kisumu, claimed ignorance of the alleged abductions, which he attributed to the Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo to investigate and resolve. Okayo’s response, delivered on Citizen TV’s Daybreak Show, underscores the growing tension and skepticism surrounding the government’s handling of these grave allegations.
Okayo, who has personal experience with abduction, is one of the few who managed to survive such an ordeal. On June 26, amidst the peak of anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, Okayo was reportedly abducted by alleged police officers. He was found three days later near Maragua River in Murang’a County, showing clear signs of torture. The trauma from this experience led to his hospitalization at Avenue Hospital in Thika.
In his poignant critique of President Ruto’s denial, Okayo drew a direct connection between his own harrowing experience and the broader pattern of abductions reported during the protests. He expressed deep disappointment in the President’s stance, stating, “I remember that the same day I went missing, Denzel Omondi went missing and unfortunately he was found dead in some quarry dump. These are real issues and experiences, and this is a lived experience. So when the President says he is not aware of any abductions, it is very sad.”
Okayo’s condemnation of the President’s remarks is not merely a personal grievance but a call for reflection and accountability within the leadership. “I would advise the President to sit down, reflect on his leadership and the occurrences in the last three months, and actually decide,” Okayo urged. He suggested that Ruto, who portrays himself as a deeply prayerful individual, should take time to pray and reconsider his approach to the country’s pressing issues.
Adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape, Okayo also criticized the potential alliance between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. He voiced concern that such a union might prioritize personal or political gains over addressing the genuine needs of the public. “There are people who believe in Raila and Ruto and it doesn’t matter what happens,” Okayo observed. He warned that the celebration of unity between the two leaders might overshadow critical issues, leading citizens to overlook fundamental problems such as access to basic commodities.
The alliance between Ruto and Odinga has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a step towards political stability, others, like Okayo, fear it may result in a situation where leaders are more concerned with their own interests rather than the welfare of the nation. He pointed out that if the two leaders continue to align themselves in 2027, it could lead to a significant crisis, as the public’s focus might shift away from addressing urgent problems.
Okayo’s statements highlight the broader context of dissatisfaction and mistrust among Kenyans regarding the current administration’s handling of human rights abuses. His personal account, combined with his critique of the President’s denial and the potential risks of political alliances, reflects the growing frustration with the state’s response to the allegations of police misconduct.
As Kenya grapples with these issues, the call for transparency and accountability remains urgent. The President’s dismissal of the abductions, coupled with the political maneuvering of key leaders, underscores the need for a more genuine and responsive approach to the country’s challenges. For many Kenyans, the hope is that their leaders will address these concerns with the seriousness they deserve, rather than relegating them to the background of political discourse.
