Kenya’s police have denied any involvement in the recent wave of abductions targeting government critics, following accusations from human rights groups. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja stated that the police were not responsible for the disappearances, which have raised concerns about illegal detentions since the anti-government protests in June and July.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have pointed to a shadowy unit within various security agencies, including military intelligence, as responsible for the abductions. The latest victims include young social media users critical of President William Ruto’s government.
While the police maintain their innocence, they have not indicated progress in identifying those behind the abductions. Human rights organizations have demanded the immediate release or legal processing of the missing individuals. The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights reported that at least 74 people have been abducted since the protests, with 26 still missing. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also called for an end to these acts.