- Kenyans have noted a continuation of the abductions even 3 months after the protest. On June 30, 2024, Nandi Hills, ex-MP Alfred Keter, was abducted by people who were believed to be police officers on his way from church in Kileleshwa. He was moved around the city and booked at Kamukunji police station.
The alleged acts of abduction in Kenya have attracted criticism from various leaders. Hon. Martha Karua, NARC -Kenya Party Leader, says that a special unit has been created to carry out these abductions and killings.
“We have credible sources that have indicated that there is a special abduction/ killer squad which is comprised of both police and army officers,” said Karua.
She continues to claim the locations and the bases from which the squad operates. “We are being told that these squads are based in Karen near the Deputy President's (DP) residence and another wing in Kajiado,” she claims.
Additionally, she narrows down to what she claims to be the members that make up the squad. “Mainly, this squad is drawn from Dr. Ruto's ethnic community; we are reliably told other foreigners from Burundi and DRC,” she added.
June and July 2024 were significant months in Kenya, as the young generation took to the streets to protest against Finance Bill 2024 proposed by the government over taxation on basic commodities. With the government standing firm not to withdraw the Bill and Kenyans flocking to the streets, tension was on the rise.
Read More
From the onset of the demonstrations, abductions of civilians, human rights activists, and other leaders opposed to the government were escalating rising public concerns.
On September 27, 2024, while appearing before the Security Committee in the National Assembly, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki disclosed that during the protest, 42 people were killed, 132 people were still missing, and 1,208 were arrested.
“There were 42 cases of people who lost their lives during the Gen-Z demonstrations, a total of 1,208 people were arrested countrywide during the demonstrations, and most of the cases are still pending before the court for various charges," Kindiki said.
Kenyans have noted a continuation of the abductions even 3 months after the protest. On June 30, 2024, Nandi Hills, ex-MP Alfred Keter, was abducted by people who were believed to be police officers on his way from church in Kileleshwa. He was moved around the city and booked at Kamukunji police station.
Recently, Francis Gaitho, a blogger who is known for his braveness in condemning the government, was abducted by people believed to be police officers, but later, he was released. Another X blogger, Maverick Aoko, has been missing in action and this has drawn attention from X users, citing that it’s unlike her. This has led to the trend of the hashtag #where is Aoko.
Kenyans have been experiencing abductions from people believed to be police officers and this has led to pressure on the government to stop abductions and create a safe space where Kenyans can air their views without fear.
