Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, popularly known as KJ, has sparked controversy by suggesting that some reported abductions in Kenya may have been exaggerated or misrepresented. Speaking during Citizen TV’s Daybreak program, Kiarie emphasized the need for a case-by-case examination of abduction incidents to discern genuine cases from those allegedly staged or misinterpreted.
Kiarie acknowledged accusations against the National Police Service (NPS) for orchestrating some abductions over the past month but claimed that not all cases were sinister. “One of the easiest ways for these offenders to get away with murder is for this nation to keep layering our problems,” he said. He called for a more nuanced approach, arguing that some incidents sensationalized online were later revealed to be personal escapades.
“Some people reported missing for the weekend had simply traveled to visit their boyfriends or girlfriends in different counties,” Kiarie claimed, though he declined to provide specific, verifiable examples. When pressed by journalist Ayub Abdikadir for clarity, Kiarie offered vague responses, leaving room for skepticism.
Critics, including Abdikadir, questioned the validity of Kiarie’s examples, accusing him of perpetuating unverified claims. The MP then referenced Maria Sarungi, a Tanzanian activist whose situation is reportedly detailed in the media, though its connection to the Kenyan abduction crisis remains unclear.
Kenya has faced increasing scrutiny over the rise in abductions, which have escalated by 44% in the past year, according to a National Security Report presented in Parliament. Coastal regions reported the highest number of cases (14), followed by Central (8), Nyanza (7), and Nairobi (5). The government has denied involvement but pledged to improve security measures, including modernizing equipment and expediting court cases.
The abduction crisis has sparked fear among citizens and criticism from human rights groups. Kiarie’s remarks highlight the complexity of addressing this issue amid growing distrust of law enforcement and questions over the safety of both citizens and foreigners in the country.
