The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued an urgent appeal to families and relatives of individuals who have been abducted in recent weeks, urging them to provide detailed and accurate information regarding these incidents. The call comes amid growing concern over a spate of abductions and enforced disappearances across the country, many of which appear to target social media users.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo, in a public statement, emphasized the importance of documenting the circumstances surrounding these cases to facilitate justice and accountability. “In the face of this troubling trend, the Law Society urges families and close relations of the abducted individuals to come forward with comprehensive and accurate information regarding these incidents,” said Odhiambo.
Documenting Abductions for Legal Action
Odhiambo highlighted that accurate reporting would enable the LSK to document these cases thoroughly and initiate legal proceedings where human rights violations are evident. By doing so, the society aims to ensure justice for the victims and their families while advocating for accountability on national and international platforms.
Recent cases of abductions have sparked widespread alarm, with names such as Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Gabriel Supeet allegedly detained at Ntulele police station drawing significant attention. The LSK stressed that these incidents reflect a worrying trend, necessitating immediate action and collective efforts to address the underlying issues.
Public Support and Advocacy
The LSK has encouraged members of the public who possess credible information about these incidents to come forward and report to the society’s Secretariat or regional offices. Faith Odhiambo reaffirmed the LSK’s commitment to stand with the affected families during this challenging time, vowing to pursue all necessary legal avenues to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Police Denials Amid Public Outcry
The rise in abductions has also drawn responses from law enforcement agencies, with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja categorically denying any involvement by the police. This assertion comes in the wake of allegations from the public that some of the abductions were carried out by individuals in police uniforms.
“For avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees,” said Kanja in a statement.
Kanja further defended the integrity of the police force, cautioning against the dissemination of false information on social media that could damage the reputation of law enforcement. He also reminded the public that while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly.
Bridging the Trust Gap
The conflicting narratives from the police and the public underscore a significant trust deficit between law enforcement agencies and citizens. The alleged use of police uniforms in abductions has compounded fears and fueled suspicions, raising questions about the integrity and accountability of security forces.
The LSK’s involvement is seen as a critical step in bridging this gap, offering a neutral platform to collect and verify information. By leveraging its legal expertise and advocacy channels, the society hopes to shed light on these incidents and restore public confidence in the justice system.
A Path Toward Accountability
The Law Society of Kenya’s proactive stance underscores the gravity of the situation. By urging families, witnesses, and the broader public to collaborate, the society aims to build a robust case against the perpetrators while advocating for systemic reforms to prevent future violations.
In the meantime, the LSK has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold human rights and ensure that justice prevails. As the situation unfolds, the role of civil society and legal institutions will be pivotal in addressing this alarming trend and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans.
