Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has firmly denied any involvement by the National Police Service (NPS) in these incidents. In a statement released on Thursday, Kanja emphasized that no police station in the country is holding any of the reported abductees and reassured citizens of ongoing investigations by independent bodies.
“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,” Kanja stated, addressing allegations that have cast a shadow on the integrity of the police force.
Rising Concerns Over Missing Persons
The Inspector General’s statement comes amid growing public alarm over several recent abduction cases, notably involving young Kenyans. Among the reported missing are Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and a fourth individual whose identity remains unconfirmed.
Witness accounts have linked the abductions to individuals impersonating or wearing police uniforms, fueling suspicions about the involvement of law enforcement. For instance, Muteti was reportedly seized outside a kiosk in Uthiru by four men, one of whom was dressed in police uniform, before being bundled into a vehicle that sped away. Similarly, Mwangi was allegedly taken from a barbershop in Embu by four masked armed men traveling in a double-cabin pickup truck.
Reports suggest that the missing individuals had shared content on social media deemed offensive to President William Ruto. While authorities have not confirmed a link between these posts and the abductions, the incidents have sparked widespread speculation.
Independent Investigations Underway
Kanja underscored the NPS’s commitment to transparency and accountability by involving the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other bodies to investigate the abductions. He urged members of the public with any information about the missing persons to come forward and report to the nearest police station.
“The matter in question is subject to investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and any other independent body. We appeal to anybody with relevant information about any missing person to report to the nearest police station,” he said.
This move aims to restore public confidence in the police force, which has faced criticism over its perceived inability or unwillingness to address such incidents.
Freedom of Expression and Responsibility
Addressing the broader implications of the situation, Kanja reminded Kenyans that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it carries limitations. He warned against the spread of misinformation and malicious content on social media, urging citizens to exercise responsibility in their online activities.
“Whereas Kenya is a democratic country that guarantees freedom of expression, freedom not only comes with certain limitations but should at all times be exercised with utmost responsibility. We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed, and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the National Police Service,” he cautioned.
Growing Public Concern
The rising number of abductions has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and concerned citizens. Calls for swift and thorough investigations continue to grow as the families of the missing men plead for their safe return. The allegations of police involvement, coupled with witness accounts, have heightened tensions, making the resolution of these cases a litmus test for the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
As investigations progress, the public remains watchful, hoping for answers and action to address what many see as a worrying trend. The outcome of these inquiries will likely shape the narrative surrounding law enforcement’s role and its relationship with the public in Kenya.
