Kenyan opposition leaders are intensifying their calls for the resignation of President William Ruto, following a disturbing rise in abductions that has even affected key political figures. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has demanded that President Ruto step down, claiming that the recent wave of abductions signals an alarming breakdown of law and order under his administration.
Kalonzo’s remarks came after Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi revealed the harrowing story of his son’s abduction by National Intelligence Service (NIS) operatives. According to Muturi, his son was seized by individuals linked to the NIS, only to be released after Muturi personally pleaded with President Ruto to intervene. In a statement released on Tuesday, Muturi expressed his frustration, revealing that he had been waiting for answers for six months, but the truth remains elusive. His son’s abduction, despite Muturi’s position on the National Security Council, highlighted the severity of the situation.
Musyoka questioned how an average Kenyan citizen would fare in a similar circumstance, given the powerlessness of even a high-ranking official like Muturi in this instance. He further argued that the abduction activities under Ruto’s government must be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing that accountability is non-negotiable in today’s world. “The only solution is for President William Ruto to resign,” he declared, adding that the international community must take action.
These sentiments were echoed by Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, who suggested that it might be time for Kenyans to take matters into their own hands. He accused the Ruto administration of fostering an environment of intimidation, adding that it was time for citizens to stand up against such oppression.
The Kenya Kwanza administration has faced increasing criticism over the growing number of abductions, with Nairobi earning the troubling label of the “abduction capital of the world.” According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), 85 abductions have been recorded since June of the previous year, with 25 individuals still missing.
As the debate over these alarming events intensifies, Kenyans are left questioning whether accountability will be enforced or if the status quo will persist.
