Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has announced his intention to seek legal redress in court over the alarming increase in abductions in the country. Havi, who is currently in Nairobi, made it clear that he would not be taking part in street protests but would instead focus on legal avenues to combat the issue, which he referred to as a “pandemic.”
In his statement, Havi emphasized his commitment to addressing the growing menace of abductions that has gripped the nation, particularly following the disappearance of six individuals in December 2024. So far, four of the abducted persons have been released, including Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat. These individuals were found in different parts of the country, including Machakos, Kitale, and Nairobi. Muteti, however, was reported to be disoriented and is now recovering at home.
Despite these recoveries, the whereabouts of cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, and Steve Mbisi, another individual reported missing, remain unknown. The abductions have sparked widespread concern, prompting calls for accountability and action from the government.
Havi’s legal challenge will not only seek to end the wave of abductions but will also target high-ranking government officials. Specifically, he plans to pursue the removal of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen from the Roll of Advocates. While he has not disclosed the reasons for this request, it signals his dissatisfaction with the current leadership’s handling of the abduction issue.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is expected to appear in court on January 8, 2025, to explain the whereabouts of the missing individuals. Kanja has previously denied any involvement of the police in the abductions, stating that the National Police Service arrests criminal offenders through lawful procedures, not through illegal abductions. He also confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the claims.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public remains eager for justice and transparency regarding the growing concern of abductions in Kenya.
