By Antynet Ford
Interior affairs Cabinet Secreatry Kithure Kindiki has refuted allegations of the government engaging in the abduction of Kenyans prior to, during, and after the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Despite claims from some social media activists stating they were forcibly taken by security forces and held incommunicado, Kindiki clarified that these incidents were lawful arrests rather than abductions.
The CS emphasized that President William Ruto’s administration does not endorse abductions and defended the police against criticism.
“We unequivocally denounce abductions, as they are not sanctioned by the Constitution, which prohibits abductions, enforced disappearances, and torture,”Kindiki asserted. “Our Constitution is robust, and the government lacks the legal authority to infringe upon constitutional protections.” He stated.
“In our view, individuals detained have been lawfully arrested. There have been no abductions.” He added during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday.
Kindiki addressed the circumstances and timing of the alleged arrests, stating that it is within the police’s discretion to determine the manner in which suspects are apprehended, depending on the severity of the crimes they are suspected of committing or planning.
“You can be apprehended at any time, day or night,”Kindiki remarked. “Moving forward, we should focus on enhancing transparency in the decision-making process of arrests by law enforcement and the proper execution of such arrests. We are in the process of developing a framework through Parliament.” He said.
Last week the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leadership submitted a report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding 39 missing individuals following the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo, formally lodged a report with the Director of Criminal Investigation, urging an inquiry into the alleged string of abductions.
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Numerous individuals suspected of leading the protests were apprehended by plainclothes police officers and detained for several days before being released.
The targets of these abductions were primarily individuals who were vocal in their support of the protests on social media and in public.