Renson Ingonga, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has urged the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) to speed their investigations into the recent abductions.
They must submit their files within three days, by January 1, 2025.
In a statement made on Sunday, December 29, Ingonga voiced profound worry about the situation and emphasised the need for immediate action.
“I have, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, directed both the Inspector General of Police and the IPOA to expedite the investigations touching on reported abductions and alleged forced disappearance of Kenyans, and forward the resultant files for perusal and action, and or provide an update on the investigations, within 3 days from the date hereof,” he said.
He admitted the possible abduction of three people: Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, and Bernard Kavuli. So far, the locations of six people are unclear.
The DPP reaffirmed the state’s constitutional obligation to protect people’s rights, including the right to life, security, and freedom, as noted in Articles 26 and 29 of the Constitution.
He also reassured the public that his office is still devoted to maintaining the rule of law, providing justice, and preventing abuses of the judicial system.
On Thursday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja denied charges linking police officers to the latest wave of abductions.
He assured the public that no police station in the country is detaining any individuals who have been reported as abducted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abductions, and there is no police station in the country detaining the reported abductees,” he said.
He stated that, while Kenya is a democratic country that values freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised properly.
“Freedom comes with limitations and should always be exercised with utmost responsibility,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged families whose members have been kidnapped to report the incident to the authorities.
Speaking in Bungoma County on Friday, he also requested that they share precise information about the disappearance of those abducted.
The CS promised to support the police during the investigations.
“We will support the police to ensure that they do thorough investigations to establish the whereabouts of those citizens,” Murkomen said.
On the other side, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan stated that fast-reaction teams have been dispatched to locations of concern, including Embu, Kajiado, and Nairobi.
The teams, according to him, are given “instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling circumstances surrounding the abductions and whether there was police involvement as generally alleged.”
The agency’s move comes in response to public criticism over the recent increase in abductions, particularly of young Kenyans.
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