The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of two Kenyans, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, reportedly by police officers on December 21, 2024. The LSK President, Faith Odhiambo, has called for their immediate and unconditional release or, if they are facing charges, for them to be presented in court.
In a statement issued on Monday, Odhiambo expressed deep concern about the increasing reports of abductions involving police officers and denounced what she described as the “absurd, repressive tactics” that have come to characterize the year 2024. “We demand that police officers abandon and desist from these absurd, repressive tactics that have characterised 2024,” she said.
The two individuals Mwangi and Muteti are both active in social media and have reportedly been targeted due to their online posts. Muteti, a 22-year-old social media influencer, was allegedly abducted by four armed men, one of whom was reportedly in a police uniform. Witnesses claimed that Muteti was dragged from the street at around 9 a.m., forced into a vehicle, and driven off at high speed. The abduction followed an earlier incident in which Muteti had posted an offensive photo of President William Ruto on his social media account before quickly deleting it.
Similarly, Mwangi, a barber from Embu, was forcibly taken from his shop by four masked men in a double-cabin pickup truck. While the exact motive behind his abduction remains unclear, there are suspicions that his social media activities may have played a role, as he is also known to be vocal on various political matters.
In response to the incident, LSK has issued a clear demand for the release of the two individuals, stating that such abductions violate the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. “We call for the immediate, unconditional release of Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, or that they be presented before court to answer to whatever alleged charges on account of which they are being held,” Odhiambo said. She further emphasized the need for the government to uphold the Bill of Rights, urging them to respect and protect citizens’ fundamental freedoms, which include freedom of expression.
The allegations come amid a series of similar reports of police involvement in abductions over the past year, particularly following the anti-government protests led by Generation Z in June 2024. In these protests, young Kenyans took to the streets in opposition to various government policies, leading to heightened tensions between the youth and law enforcement.
The National Police Service (NPS) has consistently denied any involvement in the abductions. In fact, on November 11, 2024, during a parliamentary session, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, rejected the claims, insisting that the police do not engage in abductions. He clarified that the police detain individuals for investigative purposes and that those found guilty are taken to court, while those not found culpable are released.
However, the NPS’s stance has done little to quell public outrage. Human rights groups, activists, and now the LSK, have continued to voice their concerns, arguing that such acts are not only illegal but also undermine trust in law enforcement agencies. The LSK has urged the government to take immediate action to investigate these abductions and hold those responsible accountable.
While the government continues to deny any wrongdoing, the international community and local civil society organizations are closely watching developments. Human rights violations and the abuse of power by law enforcement remain pressing issues in Kenya, and the calls for accountability are only growing louder. As the LSK continues to demand justice for the two abducted bloggers, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the mounting pressure.
As the case of Mwangi and Muteti unfolds, it underscores the broader issues surrounding civil liberties, the right to free speech, and the role of law enforcement in protecting the rights of citizens. It is clear that the path forward will require transparency, accountability, and a commitment to uphold the rule of law.
