KENYA : A Member of the Meru County Assembly has blushed off the #EndAbductionsKE protests as an effort in futility.
Speaking to JULISHA on December 30, 2024, the Meru MCA alleged that the Planned Nationwide Protests, are being financed by an 'influential Political figure, whose motive is to tarnish the 'good name of the Government.'
According to the MCA, Protestors who took to the Streets in Nairobi's Central Business District, are 'pocketed to cause chaos and portray President William Ruto in negative light.
The MCA, opined that Majority of Kenyans are tired of 'non-meangiful' Protests, opting instead to 'give government time to deliver on it's promises'.
" Gen Zs are Chest-Thumping. The #EndAbductionsKE Protests were sponsored that is why no one really showed up except those who were paid. Kenyans are tired of protests and just want government to be given time to deliver." He said.
His remarks follow the Nationwide Protests witnessed in the Country on Monday, December 30, 2024, after Young Kenyans took to the streets calling for the release of alleged Abductees.
The Government of Kenya, has been accused of allegedly abducting youths who have been critical of President William Ruto's administration.
Several Social Media Users are reported Missing since last Week, after allegedly posting content criticizing the head of state.
The National Police Service has since denied being part of the alleged Abductions, with the Inspector General Douglas Kanja insisting Police do not abduct but instead arrest and Arraign in Court.
“The National Police Service is deeply concerned with the ongoing allegations that Police Officers are involved in abductions of persons in Kenya. For clarity, the Constitutional mandate of the National Police Service is not to abduct but arrest criminal offenders,” read part of his statement.
Kanja explained that according to the Service Standing Orders, all arrests must be recorded in the Occurrence Book. Those arrested are then to be arraigned in court, or released from custody if they do not meet the procedural threshold for detention.
Kanja reiterated that the National Police Service is not involved in any abductions, stating categorically, “There is no police station in the country holding the reported abductees.
However, he cautioned social media users to be responsible when posting information online, even though the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression.
“While Kenya is a democratic country that upholds freedom of expression, this freedom comes with certain limitations and should always be exercised with the utmost responsibility,” Kanja warned.
Further, the Inspector General urged the public to avoid spreading false, fabricated, malicious, and misleading information that could harm the reputation and image of the National Police Service.
He stated that matters concerning abductions are under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent organizations.
He also encouraged anyone with information about a missing person to report it to the nearest police station.
Among those still missing are Benard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Gideon Kibet, Popularly known as Kibet Bull and his brother Rony Kiplagat.
The alleged abductions by police officers have sparked widespread criticism across the country, with politicians, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and various institutions voicing their concerns.
On Wednesday, December 25, IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan reported that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had received reports of the abductions.
He mentioned that teams had been dispatched to investigate these incidents.
“In line with Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, which mandates the Authority to investigate complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offenses committed by any member of the Service, Rapid Response Teams were sent to the locations of the incidents to collect information pertinent to understanding the circumstances surrounding the abductions and any alleged police involvement,” IPOA stated in a press release.