The 21st floor of the Cooperative Bank Building in Nairobi has long been shrouded in secrecy. Historically, it served as a hub for high-ranking officials.
Notably, during the tragic 1998 bombing, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Prudence Bushnell, was on this floor meeting with then Trade Minister JJ Kamotho.
In the early 2000s, Kiraitu Murungi, serving as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, occupied an office there.
His controversial and misogynistic remark comparing a political situation to a willing woman led to protests by women’s rights activists, who stormed and occupied his office in defiance.
In recent times, the 21st floor has come under scrutiny for more sinister reasons.
Reports suggest that it now houses operations linked to enforced disappearances and abductions of government critics.
Major (Retired) Abel Rotich, a cousin of President William Ruto, is alleged to lead these operations from this location.
Eyewitnesses, including staffers and Cooperative Bank employees, have reported sightings of specific vehicles, such as Volkswagen Tiguans and Subarus, frequently accessing the building, raising further suspicions.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised alarms over the rising number of abductions targeting government critics.
Since anti-government protests began in June 2024, 82 individuals have reportedly been kidnapped, with 29 still missing.
These abductions are often carried out in broad daylight by unidentified armed individuals, some incidents even captured on CCTV, yet no arrests have been made.
Human rights groups allege that the country’s police force is behind these abductions, a claim the police have denied, stating they are investigating the disappearances.
A joint statement by 21 human rights groups urged the police to hold those responsible accountable, warning that any failure to act sets a dangerous precedent and will embolden further violations of human rights.
The situation has drawn international attention, with European envoys expressing concerns over enforced disappearances and urging President Ruto to ensure justice for the victims.
Despite these calls, the abductions continue, leading to protests and demonstrations.
In Nairobi, police have used teargas to disperse protesters demonstrating against the abductions.
Opposition politician Senator Okiya Omtatah and several protesters were arrested during a demonstration calling for an end to these alleged abductions.
The alleged involvement of high-ranking officials and the use of government facilities, such as the 21st floor of the Cooperative Bank Building, in orchestrating these abductions is deeply troubling.
It harks back to the oppressive practices of past regimes, where abduction and torture of critics were common.
The current administration’s failure to address these allegations undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in government institutions.
It is imperative for the government to take immediate and transparent action to investigate these allegations, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the safety and rights of all citizens.
Failure to do so risks Kenya sliding back into an era of political repression and human rights abuses, with the 21st floor of the Cooperative Bank Building becoming a symbol of state-sanctioned oppression.
Leave feedback about this