Kimani Ichung’wah, the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, has firmly rejected claims that the government is involved in abducting its critics, accusing some individuals of intentionally inciting unrest by fabricating such stories. Ichung’wah, speaking on the issue of abductions and government actions against critics, emphasized that the state has no reason to target anyone for expressing their views, particularly on social media.
In a recent statement, Ichung’wah warned leaders against using the abduction narrative to provoke Kenyans. He stated that the government is not in the business of silencing critics but pointed out that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, already provides legal mechanisms to address online offenses. “The government will never go after anyone simply for speaking their mind on social media,” Ichung’wah assured, dismissing the accusations as baseless.
Ichung’wah’s remarks come amid growing concerns about alleged abductions and disappearances, which some claim are politically motivated. The Kikuyu MP specifically addressed instances where critics were reported missing for a few days, only to later emerge with claims of abduction. “Some hire Airbnb with their girlfriends and disappear for three days, then claim they have been abducted,” Ichung’wah quipped. He further alleged that some leaders may even be planning to stage their own disappearances in an attempt to discredit the government.
Drawing attention to the gravity of real crimes, Ichung’wah urged his critics to remember the brutal history of violence and disappearances in the country, pointing to the tragic cases of bodies being dumped in River Yala. Between 2021 and 2022, at least 40 bodies were recovered from the river, with many victims believed to have been murdered and discarded in game parks. “Where were these critics when bodies were being dumped in River Yala? Why didn’t they speak then?” he asked.
The Leader of Majority expressed frustration with the ongoing attempts by some individuals to incite fear and unrest among Kenyans. He pointed out the irony of leaders claiming government interference in their activities, stating that many of these meetings barely attract any attendees. “Some gatherings are so small that you wouldn’t need tear gas to disrupt them. It’s all part of the theatrics,” he said, reinforcing his belief that the government has no interest in suppressing peaceful gatherings or silencing opposition.
Ichung’wah concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, asserting that it would not intimidate anyone over their views. “Write whatever you want about us; we are not afraid of social media,” he said, dismissing the claims of abductions as mere political distractions.
