Kenyan President William Ruto has promised to stop the abductions of government critics, a notable change of stance for a leader who had previously dismissed the allegations of disappearances as “fake news.” The promise comes on the heels of mounting pressure from human rights advocates and international organizations.
At least 82 government critics, including young men and women who participated in a youth-led protest movement against a controversial finance bill, have alleged that they were abducted and detained without charge. The Kenyan government has maintained that there were no abductions, with President Ruto and his officials calling the reports “fabricated” to tarnish the government’s reputation.
However, human rights defenders and families of the missing have presented evidence of enforced disappearances, including phone records and eyewitness accounts. Security forces are believed to have used phone signal tracking and online monitoring to identify and apprehend the protesters.
Among those still missing is 24-year-old Peter Muteti Njeru, who was abducted from his apartment after posting an AI-generated image of Ruto in a casket on social media. His family fears that security forces used his younger brother, Ronny Kiplangat, as bait to lure him to Nairobi.
Human rights activists such as Bob Njagi, who was himself abducted and detained for 30 days, have demanded that the government take immediate action to stop the abductions and ensure the safety and well-being of the missing individuals.
While President Ruto’s promise to stop the abductions may be a step in the right direction, many Kenyans are skeptical, citing the government’s long history of denying responsibility for enforced disappearances. The opposition has called for greater transparency and accountability, with some cabinet members accusing the government of allowing the abductions to continue under the guise of “state security.”
As the situation remains precarious, families of the missing, including Billy Mwangi, who has been missing since Saturday, hold onto hope that the president’s promise will be fulfilled.