ODM leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticized the government for its perceived inaction regarding the alarming rise in abductions of young people across Kenya. Speaking on Wednesday, December 25, the Former Prime Minister called for an immediate end to enforced disappearances and urged the government to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens.
“The issue of abductions of innocent people is primitive and very strange,” Odinga stated. “We cannot live in a country where people disappear for no reason and are kept incommunicado for a long time. That shows that there is no government. The government must take this matter seriously, and it must come to an end this year. We want a safe and secure country.”
Modern-Day Abductions Echo Past Injustices
Odinga drew parallels between the current situation and the dark days of Nyayo House, where political detainees were unlawfully held.
“Gone are the days when they used to arrest you and take you to Nyayo House,” he said. “But these days, you are being taken to unknown places. It is primitive and unacceptable.”
The abduction trend has raised significant concerns, particularly as victims often vanish without explanation.
Recent Abduction Cases
Two notable incidents have highlighted this growing crisis:
- Peter Muteti’s Disappearance: Muteti was allegedly abducted outside his apartment in Uthiru, Nairobi, after posting an AI-generated image deemed offensive to President William Ruto. His phone was switched off shortly after the incident, and he has remained unreachable since.
- Billy Mwangi’s Case: Mwangi was forcibly taken from a barber shop in Embu County by four masked, armed men in a double-cabin pickup truck. His disappearance followed a controversial post he made on X (formerly Twitter) that was critical of President Ruto.
Both cases have deepened public anxiety about safety and raised questions about the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
Call for Action
Odinga has urged the government to investigate these incidents thoroughly and ensure those responsible are held accountable. He emphasized the need for a secure environment where freedom of expression and human rights are upheld.
“The government must act now to restore trust and ensure no Kenyan lives in fear of abduction or persecution,” he concluded.
As the abductions continue to spark outrage, the call for accountability and justice grows louder across the nation.
