Kalonzo decries abductions

By Robert Mutasi 

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined the bandwagon of critics against the continued abductions and forced disappearances across Kenya, demanding that the government takes responsibility for the missing citizens.

Musyoka said he was highly concerned by the growing cases of citizens turning up missing, citing a worrying trend where abduction squads purportedly affiliated with state security apparatus were involved.

During the media address on Monday, September 30, 2024, Musyoka mentioned the case of Kibera, where it is said that two young men were kidnapped and never set their eyes on the sun again.

 "We were made to understand two boys were abducted, and they are still missing," he lamented, citing the growing fear in communities across the country.

His remarks brought to the fore a trending worry of enforced disappearances, leaving the families in distress over what happens to their loved ones.

The former Vice President has also cited an admission by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki before a parliamentary committee that more than 60 people are not accounted for.

This is a startling figure, and Musyoka wants the government to account for this grave situation. 

"There must be accountability. These young people must be found, dead or alive," he said.

Musyoka went further to press his argument and blamed the involvement of certain specialized police units, which he claimed were responsible for these abductions.

He referred to the notorious "Subaru squads," the colloquial name for undercover police cars, and accused the security forces of carrying out the kidnappings, camouflaged as anti-terrorist operations.

"We see the Subarus, special killer squads, special abduction squads.this must stop," he pleaded.

Growing cases of missing persons have moved citizens to start a public outcry, with families and human rights organizations challenging the government to stop the abductions. 

There have been growing criticisms against the National Police Service for alleged complicity in the disappearances.

Musyoka challenged President William Ruto to act and order a halt to what he termed "abduction squads," and bring to book those responsible.

He said the government needs to protect rights, including fundamental freedoms like freedom to worship, which he claimed was also being suppressed in some areas. 

"They even deny us freedom of worship," he said, indicating that communities feel threatened even in their places of worship.