Martha Karua, leader of the NARC-Kenya party, has raised serious allegations against President William Ruto, accusing him of endorsing a troubling surge in abductions that have spread across the nation. In a poignant interview with Spice FM, Karua voiced her deep concerns regarding the Kenya Kwanza administration’s apparent strategy of targeting and harassing individuals who dare to dissent against their policies.
Karua’s comments spotlight the alarming nature of these abductions, where individuals mysteriously vanish only to reappear later—either alive or, tragically, in a body bag.
“It is inconceivable that those in authority are oblivious to the abductions occurring around them. This is undoubtedly sanctioned by William Ruto himself; it has become a defining feature of their governance. We’re not talking about isolated cases; we could be looking at hundreds of victims,”
Martha Karua
“If you are in a position of leadership and claim to be unaware of such events, then you are clearly disconnected from reality and unfit to govern. Such incidents cannot happen without their consent.”
Martha Karua
Highlighting a recent case, Karua referred to the arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi, who was forcibly taken from his residence in Machakos County on a Sunday morning, only to be released the following day.
“This administration appears to be engaged in a deliberate campaign to instill fear and suppress dissent among Kenyans. Taking the example of Boniface Mwangi, who merely encouraged people to wear the national flag at the Stanchart marathon—how can that be construed as incitement?”.
Martha Karua
The NARC-Kenya leader reiterated that if an individual has truly committed an offense, then there are legal protocols for their arrest and questioning.
“However, when someone is forcibly removed in secrecy, it indicates that they are viewed as a thorn in the side of this administration,”
Martha Karua
Karua also emphasized the pivotal role social media has played in amplifying awareness of these abductions, which has sometimes helped individuals return after disappearing.“
It seems that Dr. Ruto has effectively suspended the Constitution without any formal declaration. How can we tolerate state agencies or police officers—who are not in uniform and do not disclose their identities—conducting abductions without facing repercussions?.
Karua added that the media’s attention on these incidents likely pressured authorities to ultimately bring Mwangi to Kamukunji.
“If they were indeed taking him to a police station, why was it so complicated to provide that information during his removal?”
Martha Karua
These statements from Karua come at a time when human rights organizations have voiced strong criticisms of the conduct of Kenyan police, particularly regarding the recent Gen Z protests. A report in July by Amnesty International revealed shocking figures from the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations, reporting 361 injuries, 627 arrests, and 32 abductions
“Abductions and detentions are fundamentally different from lawful arrests. Many individuals taken by state agents are not informed of any charges against them or entered into police records. Numerous detainees have been held incommunicado, deprived of access to their families, legal representation, and necessary medical care,”
Amnesty International
Further complicating the situation, President Ruto claimed ignorance regarding the abductions linked to the protests.
“As I talk to you today, I don’t have a single name of someone who has been abducted or gone missing. The PS for Interior, Raymond, is present here. If you know the name of a person who attended the protests and has since vanished, please bring that information forward. Their family should come to us. Provide these names so we can address the issue,”
Ruto stated during a town hall meeting in Kisumu on August 29, 2024.As the discourse surrounding these allegations unfolds, it remains crucial for the Kenyan populace to reflect on the implications for democracy, accountability, and human rights within the nation.
